Together - Daily DevotionalSample

The Second Commandment

Reading: Luke 10:25-37

Key Verse: “’Which of these was a neighbour’ ... the expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise’” verses 36-37

In a parallel passage in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus also says, “the second [commandment] is like it, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matt.22:39-40). So the core message of the whole Bible is that we are to love God first and then our neighbour as our self. But who is our neighbour? The parable of the Good Samaritan reveals our neighbour to be anyone in need, even if they are of a different race or background. The religious priest and Levite who were experts in the law simply passed by but a despised Samaritan offered practical help (John 4:9).

This shows that love is not just a feeling but compassionate involvement requiring spending our personal time and resources to restore people to life. When Jesus fed the five thousand, Matthew records He was moved with “compassion” (Matt.15:32). But John says, “he already had in mind what he was going to do” (John 6:6). Jesus thought about the crowd’s needs, planned to meet them, organised them into groups and supervised His disciples to manage the miraculous provision.

Miracles of practical love to our neighbours may also require thought, planning and organisation to release God’s power.

Prayer: Lord show me how I can be practical and thoughtful in releasing Your power to my neighbours who need Your touch