What’s On Your To-Do List? — Matthew 8; Luke 10

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (April 17-23)

The definition of busy is “having a great deal to do.” It’s a badge of honor in our world as it conveys a message that we’re important and have important things to do. After all, if you’re not busy, what are you?

Could “too busy” have been the excuse the priest and Levite used as they talked themselves into passing by the wounded man on the road to Jericho? Were the tasks on their to-do list more important than helping this stranger in crisis? Did they put him out of their mind as they continued walking, or did they look back and hope someone else stopped to help?

We get a glimpse of what was on this certain Samaritan’s to-do list. Prepared to serve with compassion, he came with bandages, oil, wine, and a capable beast, just in case someone needed his help. It seems he was familiar with the innkeeper, maybe having an account there, because this was the safe place he brought the wounded and cared for them on other occasions.

The good Samaritan teaches us that when our priority is to serve the Lord and care for our neighbor, we’re prepared for the unexpected situation and are willing to recalibrate the day’s list of tasks. We’re stocked with first aid supplies like patience, kindness, a willingness to listen, and material resources. We’re willing to be inconvenienced and disrupted with our worldly busyness in order to do His holy business of loving one another.

Today, is compassion and caring on your to-do list?

Love One Another (Hymn 308)

As I have loved you,
Love one another.
This new commandment:
Love one another.
By this shall men know
Ye are my disciples,
If ye have love
One to another.