The Parable of the Good Samaritan, as told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, remains one of the most powerful and enduring stories in the entire Bible. Its message of radical compassion—crossing social, cultural, and religious boundaries to help a stranger in need—has resonated far beyond church walls and religious circles. For centuries, it has served as the ultimate example of what it truly means to love your neighbor, even when that neighbor looks nothing like you or comes from a group you’ve been taught to distrust. In the new film, “The Parables of Jesus: The Good Samaritan,” now streaming on Angel, it’s dramatized and presented for a new generation.
Starring Morgan Gunter and Dave Martinez, the film centers on Mika’el, who is traveling to the market when he’s brutally beaten by robbers and left for dead. His seemingly lifeless body is sprawled across a path traveled by those going from town to town, including a priest and a Levite who avoid him.
Similar to “The Chosen,” the film presents a grounded, more authentic take on the passage, using locations and costumes of the time period, including the temple and the desert. Mika’el’s love for his wife Hava and daughter, as well as his love for Adonai, is what drives him. When Joshua, the Samaritan, stumbles upon him, he stops his travels to minister and save his life, draping him across his donkey, carries him into a dwelling where he receives help, and offers to pay for his medical expenses.
The famous story, immortalized in Good Samaritan laws throughout the country, seems to be more relevant and needed than ever, especially in a world where our enemies are demonized. When Jesus was asked, “Who is my neighbor,” he responded with this story, provocative in light of the fact that Jews and Samaritans were enemies. Today, it could be modernized in light of political or even racial divisions. Jesus’ story is accompanied by his command to “love your enemies”:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” — Matthew 5:43-48
These words challenge every generation, reminding believers that genuine faith is demonstrated not just in belief, but in active, costly love, even toward those who may despise them.
The film won first place and audience choice awards at the International Christian Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award at the Zions Indy Film Festival.
“The Parables of Jesus: The Good Samaritan,” written and directed by James Dalrymple from Emmaus Road Media, produced by Scripture Central and starring Morgan Gunter (Mika’el), Dave Martinez (Joshua), William McAllister (Gabriel), and Melanie Stone (Hava), is now streaming on Angel.
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