“Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 11:36-37
One of the more distinctive aspects of the way that Jesus engaged with people is seen in his asking of questions. There are times when his response to a question was with a further question or with a parable. When Jesus makes a statement, it is direct and clear. We can see this in the conclusion of the parable of the Good Smartian ‘Go and do likewise’.
Questions cause us to think. They can open up dialogue that results in a growth in mutual understanding between the questioner and respondent. Engaging in such a conversation is based on a willingness of all parties to listen and come to an appreciation of the perspective of the other. The goal of such a sharing is not agreement, however desirable that may be, the desire is that respect for and learning the other’s point of view.
The opposite to this is a one sided ‘tell’. A ‘tell’ is where one person has no interest in the perspective or understanding of the other. They seek only to inform in order to pressure the other to align with their point of view. A ‘tell’ is driven by a pre-set agenda and does not allow for disagreement. The outcome of a ‘tell’ is not increased mutual understanding or deeper relationships.
‘Tells’ are driving the public discourse around us. They dominate media and politics, both local and international. This dynamic is tiring and overwhelming. The decisions that flow are not shaped by the local context or realities or the needs of the most marginalised. How different it might be is we together could hear the words of Jesus and respond by ‘going and doing likewise’.
Rev John Gilmore
NCCA President