Thursday, July 7, 2011

Go and do likewise

How do you think this story ends?

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:36-37

Jesus, like with the first question of "what must I do to inherit eternal life," turns the question of "who is my neighbor" back to the expert in the law to answer himself. By doing this, Jesus is leaving the man no room to argue. When Jesus tells him to "Go and do likewise" the implication that if he doesn't do likewise, he doesn't inherit eternal life. It is perhaps Jesus' way of telling him that faith without works is dead.

  • What does it mean to have mercy on someone? compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence
  • What are some ways that you can show mercy to others?
  • Now that we've studied this story for a few days, who are neighbors that you can love better? How?

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