Luke 10:36 – “‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?'”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus asks the expert in the law a critical question to conclude the parable of the Good Samaritan. After describing how a priest and a Levite passed by the injured man but a Samaritan showed him compassion, Jesus turns the focus back to the heart of the matter. The expert had asked, “Who is my neighbor?”—a question meant to limit the scope of love. But Jesus flips the question, making it about how one acts as a neighbor rather than defining who qualifies to be loved.

The point Jesus makes is clear: being a neighbor isn’t about someone’s identity, background, or proximity—it’s about showing love and mercy to anyone in need. The Samaritan, considered an outsider and enemy, is the one who fulfills the command to love because he acted with compassion.

Historical Context

The expert in the law who asked the original question would have been familiar with Jewish teachings about loving one’s neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). However, many Jews interpreted “neighbor” narrowly, applying it mainly to fellow Israelites. Samaritans, on the other hand, were viewed as religious and ethnic outsiders, and relations between Jews and Samaritans were tense and hostile.

Jesus challenges this limited view of love by introducing the Samaritan as the hero of the story. The Samaritan’s actions break through the cultural boundaries of hatred and prejudice, illustrating that being a neighbor isn’t about belonging to the same group—it’s about how you treat others.

By asking this question, Jesus forces the expert to acknowledge that the Samaritan—a person he likely despised—was the true neighbor. This would have been a humbling and uncomfortable realization for the expert in the law, but it was a necessary lesson in understanding God’s command to love without limits.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several important theological truths:

1. Love is defined by action, not status: The Samaritan, despite being an outsider, fulfilled God’s command to love because he showed mercy. This demonstrates that true obedience to God isn’t about religious knowledge or social standing—it’s about how we live out His love.
2. God’s love is inclusive: By making the Samaritan the example of a good neighbor, Jesus shows that God’s love extends beyond national, ethnic, and religious boundaries. The call to love others applies to everyone, regardless of who they are.
3. The heart of the law is mercy: The expert in the law knew the commandments, but Jesus is teaching him that the core of those commandments is compassion. Loving God and loving others are inseparable.

This verse also highlights the importance of humility. The expert in the law wanted to justify himself, but Jesus shows him that righteousness isn’t about legalistic rule-following—it’s about living with a heart of mercy.

Literary Analysis

The structure of this verse is significant. Instead of providing the answer Himself, Jesus poses a question that forces the expert in the law to reflect and respond. This teaching method invites personal responsibility and self-examination. By asking, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor?” Jesus shifts the focus from defining the limits of love to recognizing the importance of being a loving person.

The contrast between the Samaritan and the religious leaders is key to the parable’s message. The priest and the Levite, who were expected to act righteously, failed to show compassion, while the Samaritan, who was considered an enemy, demonstrated the true meaning of love. This contrast highlights the difference between outward religious appearance and genuine obedience to God’s will.

Biblical Cross-References

• Leviticus 19:18 – The command to love your neighbor as yourself, which is central to Jesus’ teaching.
• Micah 6:8 – “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,” emphasizing that mercy is at the heart of God’s desires for His people.
• Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus identifies loving God and loving your neighbor as the two greatest commandments.
• James 2:14-17 – Faith without works is dead, stressing that true faith is demonstrated through action.
• 1 John 4:20-21 – “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Luke 10:36 challenges us to examine how we define and practice love. Are we trying to limit the scope of God’s command by asking, “Who is my neighbor?”—or are we willing to act as neighbors to anyone in need, regardless of their background, beliefs, or relationship to us?

This verse calls us to be proactive in showing mercy. The Samaritan didn’t wait for someone else to help—he stepped in when he saw a need. Likewise, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, demonstrating His love through practical acts of kindness and compassion.

It also challenges any prejudices or biases we may have. The Samaritan’s example shows that love crosses all boundaries. As followers of Christ, we are called to love even those who are different from us or whom we may struggle to accept.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is inclusive and boundless. He doesn’t limit His love to a select group of people, and He calls His followers to do the same. Just as God shows mercy to us, even when we don’t deserve it, we are called to show mercy to others. The Samaritan’s compassion mirrors God’s compassion, which reaches out to us in our brokenness and need.

God’s love is also proactive. He didn’t wait for us to fix ourselves before showing us love. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). This verse challenges us to reflect that same kind of proactive, sacrificial love in our relationships with others.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of what it means to be a neighbor. Throughout His ministry, He reached out to those who were marginalized, despised, and rejected by society. He healed the sick, forgave sinners, and welcomed those who were considered unworthy. His life was a living example of the Samaritan’s compassion.

Ultimately, Jesus demonstrated the greatest act of neighborly love by laying down His life for us. Like the Samaritan who took on the burden of caring for the injured man, Jesus took on the burden of our sin and paid the price for our salvation. His sacrifice shows us what it means to love sacrificially and without limits.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there people in your life whom you struggle to see as your neighbor? How can you begin to change your perspective?
2. How can you actively show mercy to those in need, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable?
3. Do you tend to limit the scope of God’s command to love others, or are you willing to love anyone God places in your path?
4. How does Jesus’ example of sacrificial love inspire you to be a better neighbor?
5. What practical steps can you take this week to demonstrate the love of Christ to someone in need?

Luke 10:36 reminds us that being a neighbor is about how we love others, not about who they are. As we reflect on this verse, may we strive to follow the example of the Good Samaritan—and ultimately, the example of Jesus—by showing mercy, compassion, and love without limits.