July 29th, 2026
Scripture – “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “ ‘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, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?””
Luke 10:25-29 NIV
Observation – An expert in the law tested Jesus by asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him, what does God’s word say? The man replied to love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus told him he answered correctly and then the man asked, “who is my neighbor?” Jesus went on to tell the story of the Good Samaritan.
Application – If the man would have thought about what it looked like everyday to love God with all of his heart, soul, strength and mind and to love his neighbor as himself he would have been overwhelmed with dread knowing that he was doomed. No one does this perfectly. Instead of asking who is my neighbor he should have confessed that he hasn’t done this and asked if there was another way to heaven. One that didn’t depend on his efforts and good works but on the mercy and love of God. Had he asked this question Jesus would have responded as he did in John Chapter 6 when others asked him what they needed to do to do the works God requires: ” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”” Salvation is by grace through faith, not by good works. If you are trusting in yourself today for eternal life remember every lie you have told, how you have gossiped, become angry, lusted in your heart, stolen, deceived and neglected to do what is right and then repent and thank Jesus for dying on the cross for your sins and believe in Him.
Prayer – Lord Jesus, I pray that you would bring to mind all the ways people have failed to love you and others and give them faith to repent and trust in your death and resurrection for their salvation.
What are you doing? Do it better 