With which parable did Jesus respond when asked by the lawyer "who is my neighbour"?

The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most striking stories in the New Testament, beautifully illustrating compassion beyond cultural and social boundaries. Interestingly, the term "Samaritan" alone stirred strong emotions in Jewish audiences; Samaritans were seen as outsiders and enemies. This story flips societal norms on their head and elevates a Samaritan—a figure usually looked upon with suspicion—as the hero.

Meet our main cast: a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who gets mugged and left for dead. A priest and a Levite both pass by without helping—an indication that religious status doesn’t guarantee compassion. But the Samaritan stops, tending to the man's wounds and ensuring he gets proper care. His actions serve as a compelling reminder that true “neighborliness” is about actions, not status.

What's truly fascinating is how this parable doesn’t just challenge us to rethink who qualifies as our neighbors; it prompts us to reexamine our own responses. It begs the question: Are we too preoccupied with our labels or status to extend a helping hand? Also, biblically speaking, this sentiment of loving people across personal divides harkens back to the essence of the Torah, which emphasizes love for others in diverse contexts. The Good Samaritan doesn't just show us how to act; he challenges us to look deep within ourselves and consider who might be in need—and who might be more likely to help than we expect. So, let’s be all kinds of good Samaritans!