test

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25

A religion scholar “tests” Jesus with a simple enough question. I confess that the word “inherit” has the connotation of entitlement to me that I don’t like to associate with my faith in Jesus. As heirs of Christ, we may be “entitled” to eternal life, but God’s grace is always a gift not to be assumed, presumed or taken for granted.

The scholar then asks another question in an attempt to justify his own external behavior. God certainly sees the outward behaviors of mankind, but he pays focused attention to the attitudes and motivations of the heart. Interestingly enough, it seems that many people have some familiarity with the story of the Good Samaritan whether they have any personal knowledge or connection with Jesus or not. I’d say this is for good reason, too.

This religion scholar’s motivation is unknown to me. He may be feeling entitled or just wanting to “get” what he wants for himself. Then again, he may be testing Jesus in obedience to a command from his superiors among the religious leadership in Jerusalem. Jesus answers his question in a respectful manner with some questions of his own. The scholar answers well, but I sense some entitlement in his tone as he asks one more question to “justify himself”. Jesus no longer responds with questions; he teaches with the aid of a story. Without judgment or criticism from Jesus, the scholar’s attempt to justify himself is shown for what it is, and his tone changes from one of entitlement and superiority to one of humility. The scholar may have come to test Jesus, but Jesus tested him and led him to a new place of deeper personal perception and understanding.

I wonder if the scholar was impressed with Jesus. I am. I’m amazed and humbled by Jesus. His ability to challenge and confront and redirect and correct by means of asking questions and telling stories that move us from our superficial illusions and excuses to the deepest places of our hearts and souls is not just impressive, it’s quite beautiful. With firmness but also with respect and kindness, Jesus enables us to see what is in our own hearts and inspires us to be the very best version of our self. This story is really about Jesus himself – he is the Good Samaritan to one and all.

Lord Jesus, I rarely come across people in my daily life who are physically beaten and left for dead, but I am frequently surrounded by a world of people whose minds, hearts and souls are beaten and hurting badly. Please teach and enable me to be a Good Samaritan to everyone that I meet . . . just like you. Amen!