“Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” – Luke 10:36-37
A newborn lamb has become a bit of a celebrity in Australia and around the world. The lamb, Constable Sam, fell from a truck and suffered significant injuries. It fell on a busy highway in Victoria, Australia. Constable Sam was only a day old when he fell. Both front legs of the lamb were broken, and several other injuries were visible.
Several people on the busy highway witnessed the lamb fall from the fast-moving truck. A few people pulled over and a highway official was among them. They rushed the lamb to a nearby animal sanctuary. The volunteers at the site helped nurse the lamb back to health. They saw to it that Constable Sam received a needed surgery. After that surgery, they took time to feed and care for the wounded lamb. It took about three months to nurse Constable Sam back to health. The volunteers at the animal sanctuary were excited to celebrate with everyone when the young lamb was given a clean bill of health and adopted by another local farm.
Jesus tells a powerful story about a man who was traveling down a dangerous highway when he was attacked by robbers. They took everything and left the traveler to die on the side of the road. Some people passed by, choosing not to offer help to the man who had fallen into the hands of these terrible people. Finally, a Samaritan who was passing by picked him up, took him to an inn, and cared for him. He paid for all his needs and helped the traveler to get back on his feet.
The end of this parable, told by Jesus, is a powerful teaching. Jesus teaches that the mercy, shown by the good Samaritan, is what made the difference. Mercy was offered when the Samaritan stopped, picked up the wounded man, and cared for him. Mercy is what happened when the drivers stopped and cared for Constable Sam. Both stories have an ending filled with joy because people choose to let mercy guide their actions. Mercy did not allow them to pass by. Mercy did not allow them to ignore the problems of the one who was hurt and in need. Mercy inspired and compelled those who were passing by to do all they could to help.
We are a people called to mercy. We are called to show mercy to our neighbors. We are not to pass by those in need, but to stop and help. Mercy is how we do God’s will on earth, just as it is in heaven.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
