2-2-24

Go and Do Likewise

Luke 10:25-37 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

I had a conversation many years ago with the husband of a friend who was not saved. I was younger and not as bold about my faith as I am now, but I did try to talk to him about Jesus. There were 4 of us there at the time. His wife and another friend, who also knew little about Jesus. As we spoke, he said something that has stayed with me years after. He said, “when I see “Christians” actually go out and help people, then I will believe they are sincere. As of now, it all seems like talk”. Of course, there have always been Christians who are indeed the ‘hands and feet’ of Jesus. “Doing likewise”. You often do not see them, they do not advertise that they pray outside abortion clinics, they foster children or support foster children, feed, clothe and generally care for the needy. I am grateful to be in a church who does all these things. There are so many worthwhile organizations to support, and this church helps when they have the opportunity. We have all heard this parable since we were children. As adults we are called to BE that good person. 

Thank you, Lord, for your examples of how we should live our lives. Being invested in others. Show us how and when we can be ‘your hands and feet’. Amen

Shirlene Peterson