Then a teacher of the law stood up. He was trying to test Jesus. He said, "Teacher, what must I do to get life forever?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you understand from it?" The man answered, "'You must love the Lord your God. You must love him with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' Also, 'You must love other people the same as you love yourself.'" Jesus said to him, "Your answer is right. Do this and you will have life forever."
— Luke 10:25-28 NLT
Key Thought
A couple of observations are worth making on this interchange. 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 affirms the expert for his insight into the truth and affirms that loving God and our neighbor is a great summary of God's Law given through Moses. However, Jesus reminds the expert (and us as well) that the heart of God's truth is not 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, 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 one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows 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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