We have all heard this story a hundred times and still it comes to us with a new perspective each time. Firstly, I am reminded it is a story. It never actually happened. But anyone can imagine that it could have happened. It is a reflection of the outstanding ability of Jesus to teach. It is a classic.
The Lawyer asks Jesus a question to disconcert him. “What must I do to inherit eternal life? So often when Jesus is asked an insincere question, he answers the question with a question. Here he asks “What is written in the Law?” The Lawyer of course knows the Law and can answer Jesus. But then he has the real question. Who is my neighbour?
For centuries the Rabbinical schools argued this question. Jesus tells the story and asks “Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands hands.” There is only one possible answer. “The one who took pity on him” he replied. Jesus said to him ‘Go and do the same yourself”. The Lawyer got more than what he asked for. That a Samaritan could be his neighbour was an admission he had to make.
It is OK to question Jesus about anything. But be sure to be genuine in the question. You will get more than just
a question for an answer. He will show you the way!
The Lawyer asks Jesus a question to disconcert him. “What must I do to inherit eternal life? So often when Jesus is asked an insincere question, he answers the question with a question. Here he asks “What is written in the Law?” The Lawyer of course knows the Law and can answer Jesus. But then he has the real question. Who is my neighbour?
For centuries the Rabbinical schools argued this question. Jesus tells the story and asks “Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands hands.” There is only one possible answer. “The one who took pity on him” he replied. Jesus said to him ‘Go and do the same yourself”. The Lawyer got more than what he asked for. That a Samaritan could be his neighbour was an admission he had to make.
It is OK to question Jesus about anything. But be sure to be genuine in the question. You will get more than just
a question for an answer. He will show you the way!
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