The answer is: Good Samaritan

Luke 10:29-37

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a rich narrative that dives deep into the essence of neighborly love and compassion. But did you know this story not only emphasizes kindness across societal barriers but also flips cultural expectations on their head? In Jesus' time, the Samaritans were viewed with disdain by the Jewish populace. The social climate was fraught with hostility, so choosing a Samaritan as the hero carrying an injured traveler was revolutionary!

Interestingly, the phrase "Good Samaritan" has evolved into common vernacular for someone who helps others selflessly. Jimmy John's isn't referring to just any sandwich when they tout their “Good Sam” delivery service! Likewise, hospitals and various charitable organizations have adopted the term, echoing Jesus’ lesson that love is about actions, not pedigree or lineage.

The story unfolds in a remarkably vivid way, bringing the all-too-real tension between duty and compassion. A priest and a Levite, both respected figures in society, ignore the wounded man, concerned perhaps about ritual purity or social standing. But the Samaritan, unbound by these societal concerns, stops and takes action.

This parable is also a brilliant example of a repeated biblical theme: our true commitment to moral action transcends race, nationality, and even enemy lines. In the end, the question posed to us all isn't just “Who is my neighbor?” but “To whom can I be a neighbor?” It's a call to action that remains relevant, nudging us to break down barriers and extend hands to all.