The Good Samaritan – Part 1
Luke 10:25-37.
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1. The Lord Jesus is here responding to the questions of a lawyer. He is a man considered to be an expert in the Law of God, the Mosaic Law.
The use of the word “certain” indicates the authenticity, the “factualness” of this record!
2. The man was there to test the Saviour. That is what the word “tempt” means. He asks a very vital question. It goes to the very heart of true religion and raises the matter that all men should consider. “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Verse 25.
This man was not sincere or genuine but was there to try and trip the Saviour up.
3. Note the word “stood”. He had doubtless been sitting listening to the Saviour preach. But he was not benefitted by the Saviour’s words. His heart was hostile to the Saviour. That is how it is with almost all hearers!
4. Please note the Saviour’s response. “He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Verse 26.
The Saviour treated him according to what he claimed to be – an expert in the Law. ‘What then does the Law, of which you are a teacher, say?’ The Word of God was ever the Saviour’s authority and rule!
5. The Lord does not go along with the insincere questions of men! He did not dismiss the man but turned his own question upon himself. You cannot ‘fool’ with God! The Lord Jesus knew all about this man. He was aware of the trap he was seeking to set. He, in turn, sets a trap for the man.
6. The man gives a very good answer. “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself,” verse 27. He did indeed know what the Law of God taught!
7. The Saviour in turn gives a gracious and wise response. “And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live,” verse 28.
Doubtless, the Saviour’s response frustrated the plan of the man to entrap the Saviour. He was left with an answer which he himself had provided. He could not fault the Saviour. Oh how wise is the Lord!