Mercy Go and Do Likewise #mercy #justice #socialjustice #goodsamaritan...

Do Likewise

“Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. “ — Luke 10:36–37

We all know the story. It was prompted by a question and occasioned by a teaching in response to a greater question. What we have here is the application: Go and do likewise.

One question led to another, then to a story, and then to the lesson Jesus desired to imprint upon every heart: that everyone is our neighbor and that loving our neighbor is about making a practical and active decision to do so and following through regardless of our feelings.

A legal expert who sought to trap Jesus in His own words asked Him what was necessary to inherit eternal life. He turned the question back to him and to his knowledge and interpretation of the law.

“Love God and love your neighbor” was both the answer he gave and the one that Jesus Himself gave on another occasion when asked what the greatest commandment was. Jesus commended him and told him to go and do likewise.

That wasn’t enough for the lawyer. He needed an escape clause, something that limited his liability and reduced his responsibility.

“Define neighbor,” was his retort. So, Jesus told him the story of the Good Samaritan and put him in a real bind. He made the hero of the story an outcast from the social and religious life of the Jews. He told the story in such a way as to make the answer to the question obvious.

“Who was the neighbor? Was he one of those who left the poor man stranded by the road or the Samaritan who gave of himself and his means to help him?”

The lawyer answered generically, and Jesus responded specifically, “Go and do likewise.”

Go; live like an outcast among outcasts if you must, but practice love as you go. Love is not revealed in the words we speak or the sentiments we feel, but in the actions, we take in being neighbors to our neighbors.

Go forth and live it.

Recap

SUMMARY

We focused on the themes of mercy, justice, and love, particularly in the context of Christian teachings. The discussion centered around the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the importance of showing mercy to those in need, regardless of their background or perceived worthiness. Sims highlighted that justice and mercy are intertwined, with true justice being defined by acts of mercy and compassion. He urged participants to embody the love of God through actions towards their neighbors, stressing that living mercifully is essential for experiencing eternal life and being part of God’s kingdom. The meeting concluded with a call to practice love and mercy actively in daily life, reflecting the core Christian values of empathy and grace.

DISCUSSION

Mercy and Justice in Christian Teachings The speaker emphasizes the intertwined nature of mercy and justice, arguing that true justice involves showing mercy to the oppressed and needy. He references biblical passages, such as Psalm 82 and the story of the Good Samaritan, to illustrate that justice is not about punishment but about doing right by those deprived of fairness. The speaker stresses that mercy is not deserved but needed, and it is a fundamental aspect of Christian life.

The Good Samaritan and Neighborly Love

The speaker discusses the parable of the Good Samaritan to highlight the importance of showing mercy and love to all, regardless of their background. He explains that the Samaritan, despite being an outcast, exemplified true neighborly love by helping a stranger in need. The speaker urges listeners to emulate this behavior, emphasizing that love for God is demonstrated through love for one’s neighbor.

Practical Application of Mercy

The speaker encourages practical application of mercy in daily life, suggesting that love and mercy should be active decisions. He criticizes the lack of mercy in the world, even among Christians, and calls for compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering. The speaker highlights that showing mercy brings joy and a sense of God’s love, and it is essential for experiencing eternal life and being part of God’s kingdom.