Transforming Encounters: The 40-Day Challenge (Luke)نموونە

Lawyers, like this one in Luke, have come to believe that their interpretations of the Law are the result of their great intellectual ability and righteousness.

The first question does not provoke conflict, because Jesus confirms his answer: The Law does teach that eternal life is achieved by loving God and neighbor. But the lawyer then asks a second question: “Who is my neighbor?” This question reveals a deeper problem—the human tendency to intellectual arguments that distract attention from the heart of God’s commandments.

Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The priest and the Levite manage to find some intellectual or cultural excuse to ignore the wounded Jew without breaking the law. In contrast, the Samaritan—who has every reason not to see the Jew as his neighbor—shows mercy.

How many times has this lawyer allowed intellectual theories and abstract discussions to lead him away from the true essence of God’s commandments? How many times has he used questions like “Who is my neighbor?” to justify ignoring the very heart of God’s Law? How often do we do the same—justifying our lack of love for God and neighbor with selfish considerations? With this parable, Jesus challenges us to think, not about the boundaries of the Law (who is my neighbor), but about love that knows no bounds (To whom can I show mercy?). While intelligence is valuable, the gap between knowing what is good and doing what is good is bridged by a heart transformed by grace.

Today, choose a well-known theory that you believe in, and put it into practice. Persevere in doing good to those who cannot repay you.