Day 7- The Good Samaritan
Read it: Luke 10:25-37
Live it:
One day, an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25 NLT
A question asked by millions over the ages, echoed by the Philippian jailer, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:29).
While both men asked a great question, it seems that the “religious expert” wasn’t entirely honest. From his response in verse 29, it appears that he was seeking affirmation from Jesus that he was “doing it right.” He was looking for a pat on the back.
“Who is my neighbor?” Another excellent question. Who are we to love as we love ourselves? What if I don’t love myself? I find it interesting that Luke places this parable immediately following the return of the seventy-two “ambassadors” who were filled with so much confidence and joy. Put yourselves in their shoes. If you healed the sick, cast out demons, and proclaimed the good news, I suspect you would be feeling very pleased with yourself.
But, back to the parable. The priest and the Levite had a very legitimate reason for not getting involved. They might become unclean (Num. 19:11), something this “expert in the law” would appreciate.
Jesus contrasts these “righteous leaders” with a Samaritan, someone who, in the eyes of these “religious leaders,” was already “unclean.” This Samaritan inconveniences himself and financially obligates himself. Jesus implies that this Samaritan is closer to “eternal life” than the religious leaders.
Ps. Gary