Go And Do Likewise

He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Luke 10:37
One of my favorite Sunday School Bible stories is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. I remember always being in awe of the Samaritan and his kindness and his going above and beyond. The story encapsulates everything we hope to be in Christ and yet reminds me of everything I’m not in my flesh.

As we walk in faith during this interesting season in our lives, the encouragement of Scripture remains the same. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8. The word Kindness in this verse is also translated as Mercy. This verse was well known to the Jewish people listening to Jesus tell the story of the Good Samaritan.

The story Jesus told over 2000 years ago has power and truth for us today. So I’ll ask, how’s your humble walk with God doing? How’s the mercy and kindness in your life? Are you loving towards those you disagree with or consider enemies?

In the Good Samaritan story, we see the emphasis on Mercy and Grace. The Good Samaritan was the outcast and persecuted one in that culture, and yet he was the one who reached out to someone who could have been prejudice against him and still followed through on living out Mercy.

Brothers and Sisters, who are you in this story? The Priest? Only concerned about how you will look to others or too busy with proving your own worth to yourself that you miss an incredible opportunity to serve someone on behalf of the God of the Universe. Or are you the Levite? Curious, maybe even wanting to help, but choosing to let someone else or justifying the walking away with personal safety or schedule conflicts.

At the end of this story, the only one that did the right thing was the Samaritan. Jesus then tells the lawyer who asked him the original question: who he wants him to be. My encouragement for us all this week is Jesus’ words, “Go and do the same.” Stop and help. Give Extra. Check-in on after and for Christ’s sake show the same Mercy and Grace we’ve been given to this lost and broken world.

Grace and Mercy to you all,

Pastor Mike


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