Matthew 18; Luke 10

April 17, 2023 to April 23, 2023

“What Shall I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?”

Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan in response to a question: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus’ response is more than a tale of helping another; it is a lesson about the plan of salvation, with Jesus as the compassionate Savior.


“‘The Good Samaritan: A Type and Shadow of the Plan of Salvation,” by John W. Welch, BYU Studies 38, no. 2

The Good Samaritan is more than an admonition to take care of others. It is an impressive allegory of the fall and redemption of mankind. Elements in the parable testify of Jesus as Savior. This article contains a chart suitable for classroom use.

“Plumbing the Heart of Social Institutions: Revealing Truths from the Parable of the Good Samaritan,” video presentation by John W. Welch, The Wheatley Institute, January 5, 2015

This 50-minute presentation by John W. Welch on the Good Samaritan shows what the parable really means as Jesus taught it, how the parable now is known as a force for doing service and being an influence for good in the world.

“The Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols,” John W. Welch, Ensign, February 2007, page 40 (PDF format with artwork); “The Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols,” John W. Welch, Ensign, February 2007 (text-only format)

The parable of the Good Samaritan testifies of Christ. This article examines this parable and shows its teachings about the plan of salvation, the Savior’s atoning love, and our journey toward inheriting eternal life. This article (in two formats) gives a clear overview of the ancient meaning of the parable of the Good Samaritan.

“The Way of the Master,” Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, January 2003

The Good Samaritan shows that by learning of Jesus, by believing in him, and by following him, there is the capacity to become like him.

“Your Jericho Road,” Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, February 1989

As we study the parables such as the Good Samaritan, we realize that we can have treasured experiences on our own Jericho Road.

New Testament Chart 9-9: The Good Samaritan

This chart identifies the symbols in Luke 10, in the parable of the Good Samaritan.