The answer is: Priest

Luke 10:31

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the fact that the first passerby is a priest has a fascinating layer of irony. Here’s a guy who's supposed to embody the highest moral and ethical standards of his faith yet he walk right past someone in need! They check their watch, feign busyness — whatever the excuse, the result’s the same: indifference. This arresting moment adds depth to the story, presenting a critique of societal norms and challenging the listener to reflect on their own values.

Now, it’s worth noting that, during Jesus's time, a priest would have been seen as a model of compassion and faithfulness. They were responsible for spiritual matters and often upheld the law meticulously. This raises an intriguing question: what happens when adherence to the law makes one blind to acts of mercy? While rigid observance kept them from touching the injured man, it’s the Samaritan, a member of a group traditionally viewed as outsiders, who becomes the true hero of compassion.

Fun trivia: Did you know that despised Samaritans and the Jews often quarreled? The cultural backlog adds gravity to the parable, suggesting that empathy knows no borders if one decides to embrace it. So, this story wasn’t just about the actions of a Samaritan; it pressed challenges about overcoming biases and loving all – often the most appended part to spiritual discourse. Jesus’s tale is quite timeless, reminding us that sometimes, potential agents of kindness come from astonishing places.