Luke 10:37
And he said, He that shewed mercie on him. Then said Iesus vnto him, Goe, and doe thou likewise. Luke 10:37 (KJV)
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him,
Go, and do thou likewise. Luke 10:37 (KJV)
This verse concludes the well‑known Parable of the Good Samaritan. A lawyer had asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus replied by asking what the law requires, and the lawyer correctly quoted the two greatest commandments: love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
To illustrate the meaning of “neighbor,” Jesus told the story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who fell among thieves, was robbed, beaten, and left half‑dead on the road. A priest and a Levite, both religious leaders, passed by without offering help. A Samaritan—despised by the Jews—stopped, showed compassion, bound the man’s wounds, poured oil and wine on them, and took him to an inn, paying for his care and promising to cover any further expenses.
After the parable, Jesus asked the lawyer which of the three proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among thieves. The lawyer answered, “He that shewed mercy on him.” Jesus then gave the command recorded in Luke 10:37: “Go, and do thou likewise.”
The passage emphasizes that true neighborliness is not defined by religious or ethnic background but by the willingness to extend mercy and compassion to those in need. It challenges believers to move beyond mere words and to act in practical deeds of love, just as the Good Samaritan did.
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate Jesus’ example and the teachings of Scripture by loving our neighbors and demonstrating God’s mercy. This verse urges us to be alert to opportunities around us to show kindness, to serve those who are hurting, and to actively seek ways to bless others regardless of their social standing or background. By doing so, we fulfill the command to “go and do likewise,” embodying the heart of the gospel in everyday life.
