The Way
The Good Samaritan and Two Sisters
One who becomes a neighbor, one who sits at his feet
Story
A teacher of the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Asked in return what was written in the law, he recited that one must love God with all one's heart and soul and strength and mind, and love one's neighbor as oneself. Your answer is right. Do this, and you will live. Wanting to justify himself, he asked again. And who is my neighbor?
Jesus told a story. A man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho fell among robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and left him half dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. A Levite did the same. But a Samaritan traveling that way saw him and was moved with pity. He went to him, poured oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them, then put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Which one became a neighbor to that man? The one who showed him mercy, the teacher of the law answered. Go and do the same.
As they traveled on, Jesus came into a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Martha was rushing about with all the serving, while her sister Mary sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his words. At last Martha could bear it no longer and came to him. Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work alone? Martha, Martha. You are anxious and troubled about many things. But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, and it will not be taken from her.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
Which of these three do you think became a neighbor to the man who fell among robbers?
Go and do the same.
Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about so many things. But only one thing is needed.
Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken from her.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Lk 10:25–42
Background
From Jerusalem to Jericho was about twenty-seven kilometers, a wilderness descent of more than a thousand meters. Luke says only 'a certain village,' but John's Gospel identifies the village of Martha and Mary as Bethany.
Pause and Reflect
When I see someone who needs help, do I pass by with the excuse that I am busy?