The answer is: Good Samaritan

Luke 10:29-37

Ah, the parable of the Good Samaritan! It's a story brimming with compassion and surprise, much to the shock of those listening in Jesus' time. When Jesus told this tale, He wasresponding to a lawyer who's clearly looking for a loophole—hoping to narrow down the audience for love and kindness.

Imagine, for the folks of first-century Judea, a Samaritan wasn't just a foreigner; they were from a group with a long history of conflict with the Jews. Drawing a Samaritan as the hero is like saying your arch-nemesis turned out to be the most compassionate—jaw-dropping, isn’t it? It twists traditional expectations and challenges people to rethink whom they see as worthy.

This parable teaches more than just who deserves our love. It urges us to take action and not just have a heart of compassion but to roll up our sleeves when someone is in need—like our Samaritan who interrupts his journey to help a beaten traveler. Isn’t it interesting that the word ‘Samaritan’ has since transcended this story, creating a universal symbol for kindness? The phrase "Good Samaritan" has found its way into culture and law, highlighting the ongoing importance of caring for the many, regardless of differences.

Through this narrative, Jesus illustrates a powerful call for universal love—one that transcends boundaries and societal expectations. So, the next time you're faced with the question of who deserves your kindness, remember the Samaritan and let that spirit of unconditional compassion guide your actions!