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?" Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?" 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.'" "Right!" Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live!"
— Luke 10:25-28 NLT
Key Thought
A couple of observations are worth making on this interchange: First, Jesus was being tested by a critic. However, Jesus didn't just brush him off but instead engaged him in honest and meaningful teaching. Second, Jesus affirmed the expert for his insight into the truth and affirmed that loving God and our neighbors is a great summary of God's law given through Moses. However, Jesus reminded the expert (and us as well) that the heart of God's truth is not just knowing it, but doing it. God's blessing comes when we put his truth into practice!
Today's Prayer
God, help me know your will and treasure it. Even more, dear God, give me the conviction, the courage, and the compassion to put your truth into practice. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Matthew 7:24-27
- James 1:21-25
- John 17:12-17
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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