The passage is one of the most well known parables in the Bible, probably coming behind the parable of The Prodigal Son.  In trying to explain how we should treat our neighbours, Jesus told about a mugging.  A man was beaten, robbed and left for dead beside the road. (from Luke 10:25-37)

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Jesus talked about three people who happened along the way while the injured man lay there suffering.  One was a priest.  That was fortunate.  Now you know a priest would help.  But no, he did not want to get involved.  A Levite came along next.  Perhaps he felt he did not have the time for this.  So he too passed by the man.

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Then the Samaritan came along.  Samaritans were at the bottom of the social totem pole.  If a Samaritan were lying there most likely no one would help him.  But the Samaritan took pity on the injured man.  He applied what he now call “1st aid”, put the injured man on his donkey and took him to an inn as a place to get better.

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The parable of the Good Samaritan is the second of the Great Commandments (but in narrative form) on “Loving Your Neighbor As Yourself”.  If any of us were seriously hurt, if we were in distress and our life is in the balance we would want someone, anyone to come to our assistance.  And hopefully we would do the same for others.

You can nominate people for “Good Samaritan Awards” (people who selflessly help others) through this website. http://goodsamaritanawards.com/

In most provinces, states and countries there is some form of legislation of what is known as “The Good Samaritan Act (or law or doctrine)”.  The term “Good Samaritan” is borrowed from this Bible story and “is a legal principle that prevents a rescuer who has voluntarily helped a victim in distress from being successfully sued for wrongdoing .  It’s purpose is to keep people from being so reluctant to help a stranger in need for fear of legal repercussions if they made some mistake in treatment” (Canadian law site).  From the same website it mentions it is not obligatory for people to help others in need throughout Canada EXCEPT in Quebec where the people ARE legally obligated to help others.  And in the case of the parable in the Bible, if that were the law the priest and the Levite could in fact be charged.

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Outside of Canada, you would have to check your own countries or states legislation on the Good Samaritan Law, as they do vary.  But the principle would remain the same throughout.  Show love, care  and compassion to our fellow human beings,  And Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.

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