Eternal Life

 N.T.#560 "Eternal Life"

May 29, 2025 

Luke 10-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

You will recall that at this time, the Jewish leaders had reduced godliness to a list of rules and rituals so complicated that no one could maintain it. The religious experts forgot about the basic principles of God's Law. A lawyer was an expert in Jewish laws and traditions. One asked Jesus a question. (Swindoll)

Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (verse 25)

• This question gives the idea that one can work for their eternal life inheritance. Because Jews were children of Abraham, they thought they automatically inherited heaven. 
• Jesus kept declaring that it was the people's faith that saved them from the result of sins, cast out demons, healed their bodies in His ministry. 
• Lawyers and Pharisees had rejected God's purpose for them by not repenting and being baptized by John. (7:30)
• Jesus turned it around and asked the lawyer what was written in the Law. (verse 26)

Was the lawyer serious about obtaining eternal life for himself? Was he only being pious? Was he challenging Jesus to a theological duel? The latter seems to be the case.

LET IT GROW

The lawyer was correct in giving his answer:

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. (verse 27)

Jesus said to the lawyer, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. (verse 28)

The lawyer knew what to do, but was he doing it? Jesus knew the guy wasn't practicing it, and so did the man. No one can be morally perfect and keep all of the Law (except Jesus). 

The guy wouldn't let it go and admit his sins. No, he had to justify himself by asking who his neighbor was. (verse 29)

This was no common person, mind you. He was a specialist in the Jewish law. 

Love... is not a passive word; it is an action word. We are to love y our actions. (Billy Graham's Wisdom For Each Day devotional)

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Swindoll)

How are we doing in this department? Are we selective to whom we show love or do we freely give it to all people?

LET IT GO

Love God and love others. That is the way to heaven.

Admit we are sinners, believe Jesus died for us, and confess our sins.

Be a servant and follower of Jesus.