Go And Do Likewise.

Introduction:

Luke 10:25-37 contains the famous Parable of the Good Samaritan, set within a larger context of Jesus’ teaching about eternal life and love of neighbor. The passage begins with a question from a lawyer and unfolds into a story that challenges social boundaries and emphasizes active mercy.

Verses 25-28: The Question of the Lawyer

"And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?’ So he answered and said, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”

Context:The lawyer is likely an expert in Jewish Law, seeking to justify himself or test Jesus.

- The question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" reflects the Jewish focus on obedience and law-keeping.

- Jesus’ response:He redirects the question back to Scripture, emphasizing love as the core of the Law, citing Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.

- Key themes:The Law's summary—love for God and neighbor—forms the foundation for understanding righteousness and eternal life.

Verses 29-31: The Question of ‘Who is my neighbor?’

"But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’"

Motivation:The lawyer seeks to limit the scope of "neighbor," perhaps to avoid extending love beyond certain groups.

- Question significance:It reveals a legalistic attitude—seeking to define boundaries of love.

Verses 30-35: The Parable of the Good Samaritan

"Then Jesus answered and said: ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance, a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he set him on his animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’"

Context:The setting involves travel on a dangerous road; the man is vulnerable.

- The robbers:symbolize evil or danger—an analogy for human vulnerability and sin.

- The priest and Levite: Religious figures who, despite their religious duties, pass by, highlighting how outward religion can fail to show mercy.

- The Samaritan:The unexpected hero—Samaritans and Jews typically despise each other—representing mercy that crosses social and ethnic boundaries.

- Compassion in action:The Samaritan’s actions demonstrate active mercy—he cares for wounds, invests resources, and ensures ongoing care.

Verses 36-37: Jesus’ Question and Conclusion

"So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’"

- Jesus’ question:Reframes the lawyer’s original question, shifting emphasis from legal boundaries to active mercy.

- The command: "Go and do likewise" emphasizes that love must be practical and sacrificial, extending beyond social and ethnic boundaries.

Theological Themes:

- Love as the fulfillment of the Law:The parable illustrates that true obedience to God manifests in loving actions.

- Mercy over ritual purity:Religious ritualism is insufficient without compassionate action.

- Neighbor defined broadly:The Samaritan becomes the neighbor by showing mercy, challenging social prejudices.

- Active compassion:Mercy involves action, sacrifice, and ongoing care.

Application:

The parable calls believers to emulate the Samaritan’s mercy, breaking down barriers of race, religion, or social status, and showing love through concrete acts of kindness.