FRIDAY, MAY 28
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
Luke 10:36-37 (NLT2)
GO AND DO THE SAME
Jean Frederick Oberlin, a minister in 18th century Germany, was traveling by foot in winter when he was caught in a severe snowstorm. He soon lost his way in the blowing snow and feared he would freeze to death. In despair he sat down, not knowing which way to turn. Just then, a man came along in a wagon and rescued Oberlin. He took him to the next village and made sure he would be cared for. As the man prepared to journey on, Oberlin said, “Tell me your name so that I may at least have you in grateful remembrance before God.” The man, who by now had recognized Oberlin, replied, “You are a minister. Please tell me the name of the Good Samaritan.” Oberlin said, “I cannot do that, for it is not given in the Scriptures.” His benefactor responded, “Until you can tell me his name, please permit me to withhold mine.” (Source Unknown)
In Luke 10:37, “Then Jesus said, Yes, now go and do the same.” One writer used this analogy for Jesus’ instruction to go and do the same. “If a composer has written a symphony to the last note, no notes need be added—but the symphony is not complete until an orchestra turns the written music into beautiful sounds. So it is with religious teachings. They can be perfect on paper, but they mean little until put into action. (Brunner)
Reflection
Who do you identify with in this parable? Some people feel like the wounded man in the parable and would be delighted to have a Good Samaritan bring them relief. Others identify with the Samaritan. And some identify with the priest and the Levite. The truth is, at times, we have all been each of the characters in this story.
Praise
Thank God for the times He has sent Good Samaritans into your life to minister to you. Thank God for the times He is given you what you need to be a Good Samaritan and serve others. And thank God for convicting you in seasons when you have been the priest or Levite who needed a course correction.
