The ‘Neighbour’ in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10 :25-37)

Abstract

The commandment to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) plays a central role in both Jewish and Christian ethics, yet it has been the subject of Christian criticism against Jews. Christians criticise Jews for having an exclusive ethics: Jews tend to love only themselves and no one else. On the other hand, they pride themselves of having an inclusive ethics, having been influenced by the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and Jesus’ exhortation to love one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44). But the paper argues that the parable of the Good Samaritan is not about a distinction between a Jew and a Gentile or a Samaritan; or a redefinition of neighbour. Rather, it is about showing mercy and love to anyone one meets who is in need because s/he is a human being. In other words, it is about loving one’s neighbour because in that resides love for oneself.