Who was the bad neighbor in the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke chapter 10?

In the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke chapter 10, Jesus tells a parable about a man who is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. The story revolves around a traveler who is robbed and beaten by thieves, and the response of three different individuals who come across him on the road: a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan.

While the priest and the Levite both pass by the injured man without offering any assistance, it is not explicitly stated that they are "bad neighbors." Rather, their actions are meant to illustrate the point that even those who are expected to be compassionate and helpful may fail to act when presented with a situation that requires them to step outside of their comfort zone.

The Samaritan, on the other hand, is the hero of the story. He is the one who stops to help the injured man, even though the man is a stranger and may even be from a group of people who are traditionally considered enemies of the Samaritans. The Samaritan goes above and beyond what is expected of him, taking the injured man to an inn, paying for his care, and promising to return and cover any additional expenses.

The story of the Good Samaritan is often used to illustrate the importance of showing compassion and kindness to others, even when it may be inconvenient or uncomfortable. It teaches us to look beyond our own biases and prejudices and to see others as human beings in need of help.

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Jamie Larson
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