A Road Called Mercy

“Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25b

I love how Jesus seemed to frequently answer a question by asking a question. Such is the case in the story that prompted the parable of the Good Samaritan. Before Jesus told the lawyer the answer, He asked him what was written in the law regarding eternal life and what his interpretation was of the reading. He wanted the man to declare his understanding of the way to heaven. The lawyer confidently stated, ‘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.’ Luke 10:27. Continuing to press Jesus for answers he asked Jesus to identify his neighbor. Jesus began to tell the story of a battered and bleeding man who was robbed and left for dead on the side of the road. The man received no help from either the priest or the Levite, who not only was non-responsive but went out of their way to distance themselves from any responsibility. ‘…A certain priest came down the 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.’ Luke 10:31-32. Both men came upon the one in need…both men saw the need for mercy…both men scooted across the road to avoid giving mercy…both men determined very quickly that the dying man was not their neighbor.

I know…it’s difficult…it’s tempting to be just like those men in the parable. We take a different street to avoid the homeless person that we know will be on the corner. We see someone at the light collecting for a halfway house for addicts, and we cut over in the far lane, so we won’t have to share our dollar. We stand in the grocery line irritated as the less fortunate slowly thumbs through a mountain of coupons to be able to afford the basics of milk and bread. But coincidentally we are the beggar, the bruised and the beaten because of our need for mercy. Without Jesus staying on our side of the road we would end up dead. Without Jesus stopping to attend to our needs, we just might not make it another day on the road towards eternal life. Without Jesus lifting us up and carrying us to safety we just might allow the world to consume us. Without Jesus paying the price for restoration just like the Good Samaritan we would never make it to heaven. Jesus is our Good Samaritan and commands us to also serve in that way. ‘The Samaritan’s actions were radical because he showed thoughtful mercy to a perceived enemy that allowed the traveler to be fully restored. Not only did he tenderly care for his wounds, but he also tangibly provided a way for him to heal.’ Determined, Heather Dixon, p. 129. That sure seems awfully familiar to what Jesus has done for us.

“And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Go and do likewise.’” Luke 10: 37