On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” Luke 10:25-26 [NIV]
I thought I would take The Good Samaritan as the passage to look at this week.
It is probably one of the most overused texts in Sunday schools and school assemblies, because it appeals to that part of our human nature that aspires to do good, as reflected in the many charity fundraisers like Sports Relief or Children In Need. It cuts across cultural and class divides, and has a lot to teach us in that regard.
Note that it starts off with a question from an expert in the Law of Moses, someone who would be called upon in legal cases. He intended to “test” Jesus, maybe to discredit him up or make himself look good.
The Jewish leadership were probably concerned about Jesus’ teachings on the Law.
Jesus had to cleverly avoid this potential trip-up whilst revealing the truth. How would you have answered this question? I think I would feel trapped coming up against such an expert.
Jesus chooses not to answer the question immediately, but rather throws another question back at the expert, which opens up the discussion.
It is easy to get annoyed when you know people’s motives aren’t completely well-intentioned, but a question can help open the conversation up, rather than feeling pinned into a corner.
Thank you Lord for questions. Help us to be wise in our responses, knowing how to open conversations up, rather than always giving answers that close them down. Help us not to feel trapped by people’s questions, but just to be ourselves in replying. Help us to inspire others to think of you. Amen
Jon Seaton
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