Go And Do Likewise / Cynthia Greene
We read the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. It is a powerful story that reminds us we are called to love and serve other, fulfilling the command: “…you shall love your neighbor as yourself…” (Matthew 22:35-40).
To recap:
The Parable takes place on a road between Jericho and Jerusalem. Travelers would encounter dangers on this road and it was referred to as the “Way of Blood”. Along this route a traveler was attacked and beaten up and is left half-dead and lying on the side of the road. Both a Priest and a Levite pass by without helping.
It is a Samaritan who not only stops and looks at the man, but is moved by compassion to help and care for him. During this period of time, Samaritans were disliked and avoided by the Jewish people, which is why the Priest and Levite did not stop to help him.
Jesus says in Luke 10:36, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He answers, “The one who had mercy on him.” Luke 10:37.
Jesus further defines who our neighbor is in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”.
How can we be a Good Samaritan Today?
Each of us has unique gifts and different opportunities to serve. It is through these good works that we are a light to others of God’s Love. What can we do?
Pray for a Servant’s Heart: God wants us to be transformed and become more like Him. God is Love and He gave us a new commandment, “That we love one another; as I have loved you… (John 13:34)”. Knowing what the right thing to do is not enough; we need to have the right heart, which only comes from God (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Pray for Opportunities: Ask God to show you where you can serve. Keep your eyes open for opportunities. In Hebrews 13:16 we read, “do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Build Relationships: Take the time to talk and engage with people around you. Reach out and build relationships with others. To really understand others takes time, listening and observation. It is through building relationships with others that you really learn of the pain, hurts, hopes, and joys of others and then you can find ways to serve their needs.
Act on Opportunities to Serve: In the parable the priest and the Levite didn’t stop to offer any help to the injured man, they simply passed by without a word. Be the one that stops and shows love and kindness.
- Yes, you matter.
- Yes, you can bring about change.
- Yes, you can make a difference.
- You could very well be an answer to someone’s prayer.
Act on Opportunities to Serve: In the parable the priest and the Levite didn’t stop to offer any help to the injured man, they simply passed by without a word. Be the one that stops and shows love and kindness.
Final Thoughts:
We live in a world that is full of hurting people enduring difficult situations and circumstances. As Christians we are called to love and serve one another. To go beyond surface-level kindness and to express deep, sacrificial love.
Remember, God chose the foolish and weak of the world….so that no one would boast. The works we do are not through our own making but they are through the Power of God in order that His Glory may be shown, see 1 Corinthians 1:27-31.
How does the Parable of the Good Samaritan relate to us today? It relates to us because, at the end of the parable Jesus says: “Go, and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).
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Lee
WOW!! I am often EXTREMELY AMAZED at how you often provide EXACTLY WHAT I NEED TO HEAR and at EXACTLY THE RIGHT TIME!! THANK YOU SO MUCH Cynthia!! “Every GOOD gift and every PERFECT gift is FROM ABOVE, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) NKJV