True. But allow me to add a bit of color commentary.
First, Samaritans and Jews were bitter enemies. So the idea that a Samaritan was the “neighbor” of a Jew was laughable at the time.
Second, everyone that passed up the injured traveler were “religious” people - and Jews no less! Jesus was calling out the “righteous” people of the time. (Who also happened to be those in power in Judea).
Finally…how about some personal safety? Nobody picks up hitchhikers today. In the immortal words of Admiral Akbar - “It’s a trap!” (Or at least it could be.). The Good Samaritan put himself at personal risk to help an enemy - and then went above and beyond by taking him to an inn and making sure he was taken care of.
Jesus’ point was - it’s easy to be nice to people we like. He calls us to be kind and loving (verb) to everyone, but especially those we DON’T like or are hard to love. This was (and still is) rather revolutionary, no?
Evolution and sociology makes a case for us to be honest and good because it’s “good business” to do so - I violently agree. What those sciences don’t explain (I would argue) is Jesus’ call to be honest good - and sacrificially loving - to those who provide us with no upside.
