A Samaritan is a person who is always ready to help his neighbor

In the distant past, during the period 887-859 BC. In the northern part of Judea the state of Samaria was located and flourished. We can assume that the Samaritan is a resident of a given country. But the word "Samaritan" has a different meaning. In the American dictionary, it is interpreted as "a person who unselfishly helps others." In English, this expression has been used since the 17th century, the reason for this became the biblical parables.

The story of the Samaritan

In one of the parables, it is said that Jesus Christ, even during his life on earth, urged people to work with him, saving his neighbors. He claimed that later such people would inherit his heavenly home. One of the priests, wanting to test Jesus, asked: "How can you earn eternal life and who is our neighbor?" Jesus told a parable to his question.

The traveler, following from Jerusalem, met with the robbers who had robbed him, beaten him and left him half dead to die on the road. The priest, who was nearby, indifferently passed him. So did the walking Levite. The third passer-by saw a man lying on the ground beaten by robbers, approached him.

They were a good Samaritan. He washed the wounds of the victim with wine and oil, and bandaged them. He put it on the donkey, and, after making up his cloak, took him to the hotel. The passerby left him there in the care of the master.

This person paid for both living and nursing. At the end of the narrative, Jesus asked: "Who of the three, in your opinion, was a neighbor?" The priest answered that the neighbor, of course, was the third passer-by. Jesus advised him to do as the Samaritan did.

"Love thy Neighbour…"

The priest and the Levite, who did not help the victim, considered themselves righteous. In fact, they treated the poor and unhappy people from above, did not consider them neighbors. There was no love for people in their hearts. And the biblical commandment says: "Love your neighbor as yourself, and act with him as you would have them do unto you."

The case described shows that the Samaritan is the embodiment of good and love for man. He was not afraid that the robbers could return and severely deal with him. He behaved himself with dignity. And, as he could, helped the victim. Unfortunately, in our life there are many cases when people indifferently pass by a person who needs emergency help. Often mistaken for a drunk lying on the sidewalk: and he may have a heart attack. Time taken medicine can save his life.

Do not pass by

Callousness and indifference let pass a person who needs help and support. What is happening around us today testifies that many people do not read the Bible. Therefore, do not imagine who it is - a good Samaritan, the parable of which is told by Jesus.

Followers of Christ in Orthodoxy and representatives of other religions call upon mankind for peace and good. They claim, on the basis of the Bible, that a man who does good will have eternal life in the heavenly kingdom. Everyone understands these words in his own way and treats them differently. But the call to do good in them is a driving factor of social development. On this topic there are many legends, truthful stories and parables. A Samaritan is a character of one of them.

Witnesses of history

At present, in Israel, in the territory of the former Samaria, there were ruins reminiscent of the splendor and wealth of the city, where a good Samaritan lived. Numerous pilgrims and tourists who visited the Promised Land remember the biblical commandment: "He who does good to others becomes spiritually richer and stronger". A Samaritan is a kind, sympathetic person. His heart is filled with love and mercy. He provides unselfish help to people in need.