Luke 10:25-29 - Loopholes

Scripture:

 

Luke 10:25-29

25 And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

26 And He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?"

27 And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

28 And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE."

29 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

It seems to be inherent in our sinful nature to look for a loophole.  Rather than responding to the fullness of the Lord's command, we want to make it easier on ourselves.  Truthfully, we want to justify disobedience.

 

This is what the lawyer is doing here.  He seems willing to love his neighbor, provided he knows just exactly who Jesus is talking about!  And actually, the text indicates he already knew he was not fulfilling this command as he sought to "justify himself" (verse 29).

 

However, before we look too harshly upon this man, we must realize that we have this same misgiving.  Maybe we don't struggle with loving all those who come across our path, but in other areas we can find ourselves looking for loopholes, as well.  Were the Lord to question us about that area of our lives, we would look no better than this man!

 

I think it is important to note that Jesus is not changing His mind about the way of salvation, here.  Already in Luke it has been shown that faith in Christ is the key.  For example, from Luke 7:

 

Luke 7:48-50

48 Then He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven."

49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?"

50 And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
NASU

 

Instead, Jesus is taking this opportunity to deal with this man's heart.  In answer to his question in verse 29, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan (verses 30-37) to show him the broad application of "neighbor," and the reluctance of man to love them.

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, forgive me for looking for ways to get around what Your word shows me is the right thing to do.  Help me to be obedient in faith, even when it looks impossible or even harmful to me. 

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.