Just Do the Next Right Thing

Luke 10:29-37 - The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (NLT)

Devotional Series: The Stories Jesus Told

Most of us are familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan. It’s become even more popular because of the work of the well-known charity The Samaritans. But because this story is so well known, it’s easy for us to become overly familiar with both the message and the narrative—and miss what we’re actually called to do.

As you read this passage again today, I want to draw your attention not just to Jesus' story, but to the words of the man who asked the original question.

After Jesus told the story and asked:

Luke 10:36 - “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” (NLT)

The man replied:

Luke 10:37 - “The one who showed him mercy.” (NLT)

Here’s the thing: most of us already know what we need to do.

Jesus didn’t tell the man the right answer. The man answered for himself. That’s the same with us, I think—we already know what the next right thing is. The problem isn’t usually knowledge—it’s action.

As I was reflecting on this passage in my own study, I realized I just need to do the next right thing. I don’t need to be distracted by the next two or three things—or the size of the whole project .I just need to take the next merciful step that’s right in front of me.

Will there be times when I’m not 100% sure it's the right thing? Probably. But remember the parable of the talents: not being sure isn’t a good enough reason to do nothing.

This is where faith in God meets obedience to God.

We don’t need to keep thinking about doing anymore.

We just need to go and do likewise.