A Good Samaritan - Go & Do Likewise
Jericho Road Ministries exists to glorify God by loving our neighbors who have experienced overwhelming life circumstances.
Perhaps one of the greatest responses that Jesus gave to an expert in the Mosaic Law seeking to test him during His ministry was the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The clear, practical message of this story penetrates straight to the heart of the matter. Being a 90s kid, one of my first introductions to the Good Samaritan etched in my mind comes from the Christian kid’s series McGee and Me! Just check it out. I promise you’ll fall in love with the 90s all over again. I’ve always appreciated this parable because Jesus paints such a perfect example that leads us to only one conclusion: God – who is love – shows us how to be a people characterized by love. As we focus on a few character traits illustrated by the Good Samaritan, there are some key takeaways from this story.
First, we see that the Good Samaritan has compassion. As we can see from the examples of the priest and the Levite, the Samaritan man did not have to help the injured man, but he was compelled to help him. When you see someone broken or hurting, what stirs within you? Are you led more to just stay out of it and let them handle it on their own? To not impose? Or. Are you drawn to assist, to pray, to get involved, to connect? The Good Samaritan was willing to allow his schedule to change for the concern of another. A compassionate heart will always warm an individual's soul towards hearing the gospel better than a cold, inconsiderate heart.
Second, we see that he was willing to sacrifice his own comforts. Let’s be honest for a moment; getting involved in someone else’s painful journey can be challenging and uncomfortable. Boundaries are important to have in place so as to not allow enabling, but the willingness to sacrifice your time, energy, and efforts for the well-being of others goes further than you may realize. When talking about love, much of scripture involves the concept of selflessness and sacrifice. Ministering to others from a place of Godly love will involve sacrifice. Much of what we may experience will be sacrificing our energy. Be encouraged. God gives you strength and perseverance. God gives you the gifts and resources that you’ll need.
“Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love.”
Third, we see that the Good Samaritan genuinely cares. He had pity on the injured man, bandaged his wounds, and took care of him at the inn for the time that he was able. Compassion, care, and quality time. Think about how impactful these characteristics are to the work that you do. Each resident at Jericho Road Ministries is only there for a season of their lives. Our staff and volunteers are encouraged to take hold of this time and care for our residents: to encourage them, be present with them, and be Jesus to them.
Finally, we see the Good Samaritan dedicated to coming through for his neighbor as a person of integrity, fulfilling his word. We must increase our dedication to being people of integrity – doing what we say we will do. When we are men and women of our word, we increase our capacity for trustworthiness. Trust is a critical mountain one climbs as one goes through recovery. Fulfilling our word shows that we are genuine and that our effort to care for others comes from a reliable place. Build on these characteristics and be a Good Samaritan. Jesus wants us to ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ Let’s dedicate ourselves to this calling in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ.
Loving Our Neighbors on the Road to Recovery.
Jesus concludes his parable with a bold call to action for the lawyer who had questioned him, “You go, and do likewise.” Can we hear that call from Jesus for us today? Notice Jesus doesn’t say to learn and teach others to do likewise. He makes it personal. This parable certainly clarifies who our neighbor is. Understanding this charge breaks through barriers and comfort zones. It challenges us to view this world differently and softens our hearts for those in the world around us who are broken and hurting.
So what does ‘go and do likewise’ look like for you? Is it to reach out to that friend you know who is going through a difficult time? Is it providing a meal, taking time for a conversation, or purchasing an item for someone you know who is in need? Where in your life can you become more compassionate, willing to sacrifice your comforts, or help and care with follow-through to completion? If you look around, you will probably be surprised as to how many opportunities the Lord gives you to be a Good Samaritan to those who are hurting and in need.
The call is clear ‘Go and Do.’ Strengthen your Good Samaritan Character:
Compassion
Sacrifice
Care
Dedication / Come Through
Pray for the Lord to help you see those around you. Examine the opportunities the Lord places before you in your world and follow the call to love others.
‘You go, and do likewise.’
John Wesley’s The Book of Common Prayer
LORD of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; graft in our hearts the love of thy name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
