30
Jesus answered by telling a story. "There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead.
31
Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side.
32
Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
33
"A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man's condition, his heart went out to him.
34
He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable.
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In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill - I'll pay you on my way back.'
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"What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?"
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"The one who treated him kindly," the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, "Go and do the same."
38
As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home.
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She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said.
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But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."