Preaching and the Land - Luke 10:25-37

In this Sunday's lectionary text, Jesus answers the scribe's question (who is my neighbor?) with perhaps his best known parable, The Good Samaritan.  The setting of the parable is somewhere along the Jericho Road. 

What do we know about this ancient road that enriches our understanding and proclamation of its truth?

• the Jericho Road extended from the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem to Jericho
• the road descended some 3,500 feet over almost 17 miles
• parts of the Roman road can still be seen today
• this road crossed part of the dangerous Wilderness of Judea
• the traveler took his life into his hands when he ventured there
• the courageous or careless traveler often fell prey to wild beasts and robbers
• Jesus knew the area and the road well since he was tempted by Satan in the Wilderness and traveled the road often
•  while the story is only a parable, the details reflect a first-hand knowledge of the region, the road, the 1st century culture, the legal requirements of the day and the heroism and compassion of the Samaritan
• the story contains surprising challenges to the cultural expectations of the day
• three characters or incidents often made up 1st century storytelling
• never would a Samaritan be the third party in a story about a priest and levite

One of several Jericho Trails