An expert in the Law of Moses once asked Jesus, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “What is written in the Law?”

He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself.”

Jesus said, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live.”

But the man, wanting to justify himself, asked, “And who is my neighbour?”

In response, Jesus told a story:

“A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and left him half dead by the roadside.

A priest came by, saw him, and passed on the other side. A Levite also came, looked at him, and moved away.

But a Samaritan—someone despised by the Jews—came upon him. When he saw the wounded man, he was moved with compassion. He bandaged his wounds, poured on oil and wine, placed him on his own donkey, and took him to an inn where he cared for him. The next day, he paid the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him, and I will repay you whatever more you spend when I return.’

Now which of these three was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The answer came: “The one who showed mercy.”

Jesus replied, “Go and do likewise.”