Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 10:25-37

Lutheran Lens Reading of Luke 10:25-37

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read the parable of the Good Samaritan through the lens of Law and Gospel. The initial question, 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?' immediately sets the stage for a Law reading, exposing the lawyer's attempt to justify himself. The Law's demand is laid bare in the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself,' which none can fulfill perfectly due to the bondage of the will. Yet, we see the Gospel implicitly in Christ, who is the ultimate Good Samaritan, rescuing us from sin and death through His own suffering. This passage calls us to recognize our inability to fulfill the Law and to cling to the promise of grace in Christ.

Key Language Decisions

The Greek word 'δικαιῶσαι' (dikaiōsai) in verse 29, translated as 'justify,' is crucial in our tradition, emphasizing the lawyer's self-justification attempt. The semantic range of 'σπλαγχνισθεὶς' (splanchnistheis) in verse 33, meaning 'felt compassion,' highlights the deep, visceral mercy of the Samaritan, which we see as a Christological foreshadowing. These language choices support our reading of the passage as both Law, revealing the inadequacy of human righteousness, and Gospel, pointing to Christ's redemptive compassion.

Where Traditions Diverge

Unlike other traditions that may see this parable primarily as a moral exemplar (such as some Arminian or Wesleyan readings), we focus on the theology of the cross, seeing the Samaritan as a Christ figure who enacts a Gospel reality. This differs from Reformed traditions that might emphasize God's sovereignty in a more deterministic sense, whereas we emphasize human inability and grace as gift. Our reading resists moralism by focusing on the distinction of Law and Gospel, rather than seeing the parable as a mere call to ethical action.

Pastoral Application

In preaching this passage, we must emphasize the full demand of the Law, confronting the congregation with their inability to love perfectly. This prepares their hearts for the Gospel, which is the proclamation of Christ as the true Good Samaritan who binds our wounds with His grace. A Lutheran Lens pastor will assure the congregation of their baptismal identity and the means of grace, which sustain them in their journey of faith. We encourage our people not to seek justification through their works but to rest in the justification given through faith in Christ alone. This passage calls us to trust in Christ's mercy and to live out our vocations in light of that grace.

Cross-References: Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16; Matthew 5:17-20; Romans 7:24-25; 1 John 4:19

Doctrinal Connections: justification by faith alone; Law and Gospel distinction; simul justus et peccator; the theology of the cross; bondage of the will