City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

²⁵ 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?”

²⁶ Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

²⁷ The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

²⁸ “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

²⁹ The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

³⁰ Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.³¹ “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. ³² A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

³³ “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. ³⁴ Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

³⁶ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. ³⁷ The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

Luke 10:25-37 (NLT)

Aisha’s Analysis

This week’s parable really showcases the transformative power of the gospel. When I read this story, I get a sense that the lawyer walked away from Jesus disappointed that his works were not justified before Jesus. But how could they be? Not one is righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10). 

Still, I bet he was expecting to get a pat on the back from Jesus or thought that Jesus should be eager to have someone of his stature on the team. This guy was an expert in religious law and enjoyed high esteem and respect from his community. He probably thought he was a shoo-in to present himself approved unto God. 

Instead, Jesus gave him a taste of the gospel. In telling him the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus showed this man that even the so-called best of society is not able to meet God’s holy standard, yet even the most despised Samaritan can be transformed by the power of the gospel.  

In other words, Jesus totally shattered the religious expert’s idea of righteousness. Even though Jesus’ response to him must have been a tough blow to this guy’s pride and self-worth, Jesus actually dealt mercifully with him by giving him a wake-up call. Fulfilling God’s law is unattainable outside of Christ. It would do him no good to continue in self-deceit, thinking everything was alright, only to find out that his good works aren’t good enough in God’s eyes. 

Jesus gave this man exactly what he needed. He raised the standard of God’s holiness to its rightful place, and showed the lawyer there is hope for everyone, even a sinful Samaritan. 

Reflection

Trusting in what we can do for God leaves us powerless to please Him and ultimately unsatisfied. It is interesting to note that the expert in religious law wanted to find out from Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. In all his education and knowledge, he was still searching for answers. 

But Jesus flipped the script. Are you willing to let Him do the same in your life? God wants to know what you are earnestly putting your faith in to be saved. Is it your family, your friends, your finances, or your philanthropic efforts? If it’s not Jesus, it’s not enough. Only the gospel can transform us from sinners to saved and sanctified. 

Let that truth sink in, and praise God for doing all the heavy-lifting in freely giving us eternal life through the finished work of Jesus Christ. 

Prayer

Father God, I praise You for the priceless gift I have in Christ. In Him, I have everything I need to live a godly life that pleases You. What more is there? Thank You for saving me from the bottomless pit, and placing Your Kingdom inside of me. May I seek You and Your righteousness all the days of my life and on into eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.