CONTEXTUALIZING LUKE 10:25-37 ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY

Abstract

This study examines the significance of the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) in addressing Nigeria’s complex socio-ethical concerns. The themes of compassion, ethical leadership, and practical neighbourliness embedded in the parable are contextualized to illustrate their transformative potentials within a varied and divided society. No doubt, the society is bedeviled with corruption, ethnic and religious tensions and systematic injustice. There is therefore the need for a return to principles that promote humanity above divide. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)'s social welfare projects, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar’s interfaith heroism, and the #EndSARS protests highlight real-life applications of the principles of the parable. These examples emphasise the parable’s power to motivate individual and community actions that transcend cultural, religious, and societal borders. The research adopted historico-critical methodology. Theologically, the study reinforces Jesus’ worldwide call for inclusivity and fairness, pushing Nigerians to embrace values of neighbourliness as a way toward unification. Practically, it presents perceptible solutions for incorporating the parable’s teachings into civic education, leadership, and policy-making. The study recommends the need for concerted efforts among religious organisations, civil society and government to establish a culture of compassion and justice. Conclusively, the Parable of the Good Samaritan offers a timeless basis for re-orienting Nigeria’s cultural standards toward equality and inclusivity, building solidarity and tackling the core causes of its socio-political and economic crises. This work demonstrates the parable’s revolutionary potential in uniting and transforming Nigeria’s fragmented society.