“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:36-37
Many of us know the story of the Good Samaritan. It is recorded in Luke’s Gospel:
‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ (Luke 10:28-37)
I think the part we unconsciously get caught up on is the call to, “go and do likewise.” We all have thoughts of doing something kind, reaching out to those in need, but many of us struggle with the implementation. I am sure there are a million reasons why we don’t do “likewise”. We are busy, late, tired, the list goes on and on. When was the last time you made an excuse to be kind, instead of excuses on why you aren’t?
Embrace the imperative that Christ left with us ALL at the end of this passage…”Go and do likewise!”
Rev. Jeremy Sanders, Pastor of Program Ministries
