The Parable of the Good Samaritan
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Revised Standard Version*)
The priest and the Levite could have had many seemingly valid justifications for passing by, especially from a religious, social, or practical perspective. Here are ten plausible reasons that could have made their inaction appear reasonable in their own eyes or to others:
1. Fear of Being Ambushed
They might have suspected it was a setup—a decoy to lure them into a trap by robbers hiding nearby.
“Better safe than sorry.”
2. Concern for Ritual Purity
If the man was dead (or died while being helped), they would be ceremonially unclean and unable to perform temple duties (Numbers 19:11–13). This could have social and religious consequences.
“I can’t serve God properly if I become defiled.”
3. Strict Interpretation of the Law
Some religious leaders taught that helping outsiders or unknowns was not required if the identity of the person (Jew or Gentile) was unclear.
“What if he’s a Samaritan or sinner? That’s not my responsibility.”
4. Personal Safety or Fatigue
They might have been traveling alone, tired, and vulnerable. Helping someone would have required physical effort, emotional energy, and logistical complications.
“I don’t have the strength or time to deal with this.”
5. Time Constraints or a Religious Schedule
The priest may have been on his way to serve in the temple, or returning home from service, both of which had strict requirements.
“I have duties to fulfill. God comes first.”
6. Social Pressure and Appearances
Touching a bleeding man, or associating with an injured stranger, might have been viewed negatively by others—especially if it led to defilement or delay.
“What will others think if they see me with this man?”
7. Economic Loss or Inconvenience
Stopping might have cost them money (for bandages, oil, shelter), or disrupted their travel plans and lodging.
“This will cost me more than I can afford right now.”
8. Sense of Helplessness
They may have assumed the man was already beyond help, or lacked the medical skill to treat his wounds.
“I don’t know what to do. Someone more qualified will come.”
9. Prejudice or Superiority
The injured man may have appeared to be a lower-class traveler, possibly even a criminal himself.
“Maybe he got what he deserved.”
10. Moral Rationalization
They may have believed their religious standing or interpretation of Scripture exempted them from helping in such a situation.
“My duty is to God, not to random victims of bad choices.”
Final Reflection: Many Are The Excuses, But No Righteousness
Each of these reasons could have sounded reasonable or justifiable to the priest or Levite—and still do to many today. We ourselves may even identify with these excuses for not helping others whom we see in need at times. But Jesus’ point is this:
True righteousness is not in religious observance but in mercy.
The Samaritan had every reason not to help, yet he did. The religious men had every excuse to avoid involvement—but their failure to love exposed the hollowness of their piety.
Jesus strips away every excuse and leaves us with one simple question:
“Which of these three proved to be a neighbor?” (Luke 10:36)
And then He says:
“Go and do likewise.”
*Revised Standard Version (RSV) Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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