Luke 10:37
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Luke 10:37
The lawyer finally concedes that “he that shewed mercy.” Jesus responds, “Go, and do thou likewise.” The moral pivot is explicit: mercy is not only thought or feeling but action. The imperative to imitate the merciful action of the Samaritan invites readers into obedience. The command aligns with the broader Gospel call to behave as God’s agents of mercy in a broken world.
The verse emphasizes obedience as the natural pressure of mercy in practice. It dovetails with the Great Commandment—love of neighbor as an actionable command, not a mere sentiment. The call to imitate mercy is a Christlike vocation for followers.
Takeaways: identify a concrete act of mercy you can imitate this week. It might be a neighbor in need, a coworker with a heavy load, or someone alienated by society. Put feet to your faith: make a plan, set a date, and follow through. Mercy requires courage and consistency.
Cross-References: John 13:34-35; James 2:12-13; 1 John 3:16-18