I was thinking to put in in context of the other NT teachings, not read into it more than what was there. Let my share an example.lesterb wrote:It was a good thread while it lasted. But we're overthinking it now.
Jesus says "Go and do likewise." This is what connects to me.
[bible]matt 28,19-20[/bible]
From what I understand that the "go therfore" is more of a "as you go."
If this is so, then I see the "Go and do likewise" as a "As you go, do likewise." While not a direct quote, I think we can understand the Luke passage to carry this as we look at other things Jesus said. Jesus does not seem to call us to cerebral faith, but a faith in action, as we go through life. If we see someone in need, be willing to act. As we go about life, be ready to be a light in the darkness.Greek used for go - poreuomai
por-yoo'-om-ahee
Middle voice from a derivative of the same as G3984; to traverse, that is, travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove [figuratively die], live, etc.): - depart, go (away, forth, one’s way, up), (make a, take a) journey, walk.
Helping someone should be second nature as a by product of compassion for others, loving our neighbor. Our neighbor may not be like us or even worship the same God, but if we are where they are, we are neighbors. By helping someone in need, they kind of become our neighbor.
neigh·bor
ˈnābər
noun
1.a person living near or next door to the speaker or person referred to.
"our garden was the envy of the neighbors"
verb
1.(of a place or thing) be situated next to or very near (another).
"the square neighbors the old quarter of the town"
I would think Jesus was suggesting that neighbor was no longer clansman, but who we encounter, as we go.Greek word used - plēsion
play-see'-on
Neuter of a derivative of πέλας pelas (near); (adverb) close by; as noun, a neighbor, that is, fellow (as man, countryman, Christian or friend): - near, neighbour.