Go, And Do Thou Likewise

A certain lawyer came to the Lord Jesus, tempting Him. He asked a question, “Who is my neighbor?” The Lord Jesus instructed him.

There is a man lying upon the roadway—half dead! Who is this man? It is…. It doesn’t really matter. Was he a Jew, a Roman, an important person, a simple one — it all makes no difference. Only one thing is clear — it is someone in need! Was it his own fault? Did he take too much risk? Was he overly defiant with the thieves? It is not really important. He is in need! He needs help. He himself is not fully aware of it. If you are half dead, you are not fully conscious, but the need is therefore much greater.

Wait, there comes someone; it is a priest. The need is thus as it were placed in the path of the church. The priest knows, at least he should know, of burnt offering (guilt) and of the offering of incense (prayer). Therefore he certainly will help this man in need. But—he passed by on the other side! You know — acting as if he didn’t see anything. On the outside pious, on the inside so different.

Someone else is approaching—a Levite. He does do something, but not much better. He came and looked on him—and continues on. Is that the expression of the church? It is frightening and shameful.

Finally along comes a Samaritan. In this parable Jesus uses this name, this people. It is remarkable—in connection with this read Matthew 10:5. (Be sure to do so!) And in the chapter preceding the one we are discussing, namely Luke 9:51-56, don’t we read of His rejection by these Samaritans? “And they did not receive Him.” This was so offensive to the disciples that they desired fire from heaven to consume them. And what did Jesus answer? “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” In this context you must view the helpfulness of the Samaritan, and in this relationship you must also view Christian benevolence.

This man, this hurrying businessman, stopped. Wasn’t that dangerous? It probably was. Would it really be of benefit? Possibly not; he was “half dead.” Yet he did, for Christ’s sake, who Himself also said, “To whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much.” How does this Samaritan give help? Completely—wounds bound up, good care, good accommodations, paid care provided.

However, the Lord Jesus makes yet an application. Naturally! It is something remarkable, to which we must give close attention. Do you still remember the question which the lawyer asked? “Who is my neighbor?” The Lord Jesus gave an answer which turned matters completely around. The Lord did not ask, “Who is your neighbor?” but a thought provoking question in return, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him?” In other words, the question is not, “Who is your neighbor”; but, “Do you conduct yourself as a neighbor?” The application was, “Go and do thou likewise.”

Yes, but…! Many difficulties present themselves. Sadly, I realize it well. But know that the Lord also has said, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” Yes, but…! I know— “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” And that is true! Nevertheless the call comes to all of us, “Go, and do thou likewise.”

It behooves us to conduct ourselves as a neighbor in a truly Christian manner wherever we are and as much as is necessary. Christian benevolence to our neighbor in need can only be done with folded hands: “Lord, have mercy on us; then only shall we be able to be truly merciful!” ?

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen