Showing Justice and Mercy
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Philippians 1, Philippians 2, Luke 10:25-37, Deuteronomy 6:5
Memory Verse
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (NIV)
One day, a teacher of the law stood up and tested Jesus with a question about eternal life. Jesus asked him what answer scripture gave. The man responded with Deuteronomy 6:5, saying that people had to love God and love neighbors. It was a good answer, and Jesus affirmed it. Then the man asked, “And who is my neighbor?” Did the teacher of the law not know that answer or was he acting out of “vain conceit” to try and trick Jesus?
Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. This story showed the teacher of the law how to assist people in need.
First, a Samaritan – not a religious leader – stops to help the beaten man.
Second, the Samaritan is quite generous toward the man. He bandages the man’s wounds and uses his own supplies. Whatever his own travel plans, the Samaritan takes the man to an inn. He pays his expenses while he recuperates at a nearby inn. He also promises to return. That’s a lot of time and effort.
Did the Samaritan do what’s right? That’s justice. Did he have any tenderness and compassion? Yes, he took pity on the man. Did the Samaritan value the needs of the man above his own? Yes, even the teacher of the law identified that as mercy.
Jesus told him (and us) “Go and do likewise.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a heart for justice, tenderness, and compassion. In my life, lead me to love you and love my neighbor, valuing others above myself. All in your name, Amen.Related Resources
Ron VandenBurg
Senior Producer of Children’s Ministry at ReFrame Ministries
Ron VandenBurg joined the ReFrame Ministries team in 2014. He plans and develops projects specifically for the spiritual formation of children. Before coming to ReFrame, Ron taught middle-school for 27 years. Ron completed a M. Ed. degree in Teaching, Learning and Development at Brock University. Ron and Rachel have three fantastic adult children and one grandchild and reside in Ontario.