Luke 10:31 — English Passion Translation Bible 2020
“Soon, a Jewish priest walking down the same road came upon the wounded man. Seeing him from a distance, the priest crossed to the other side of the road and walked right past him, not turning to help him one bit.
What Does This Mean?
In Luke 10:31, the story of the Good Samaritan continues with a priest passing by a man in need without helping him. This shows how some people avoid responsibilities to help others.
Explained for Children
Imagine you see someone fall and scrape their knee on the playground. A grown-up walks right past them instead of stopping to help. That's what happened here—a priest saw someone hurt but walked away, just like a teacher might walk by a child who needs help.
Historical Background
Luke wrote this passage as part of his Gospel around AD 60-80 for Gentile Christians and others interested in Jesus' teachings. It reflects the cultural setting where religious leaders were expected to show compassion but sometimes failed.
Living It Out Today
Today, we see similar situations where bystanders walk past someone who needs help because they think someone else will assist or fear getting involved. This verse challenges us to be active helpers rather than passive observers in our communities.
