I am often amazed at how much Scripture is part of our culture without people really acknowledging it. The term “scapegoat” comes from Leviticus 16, and “Red Sky at night, sailors’ delight; red sky at morn, sailors’ be warned” can be related back to Matthew 16:2-3. Even the term “Good Samaritan”  has been so much a part of our everyday culture that we find it in many places such as songs by Eminem, Green Day, and Joni Mitchell (yes I pulled out that reference). It is also found in artwork by Van Gogh and Rembrandt. This week I saw the phrase on an Instagram post from the local SPCA of Wake Forest. My point is, it is everywhere! However, according to information on the web, there are only about 900 “Samaritans” left on the earth–a number much smaller than the enrollment in most high schools around our area. So what is my point?

My point is this: we become so used to hearing the word “Samaritan” that we may naturally glance over this part of Scripture thinking we have been there, done that, so let’s read something not so well known. When Scripture becomes trite to us, we are in danger of not giving it the time and consideration that God’s Holy Word deserves.

Now that I have offended our sensibilities, let’s get back to the Scripture at hand. I actually want to take just a moment to look at why this story came about. When Luke writes this part of Scripture, he states, “And behold a lawyer stood up to put him to the test,” and Jesus, being the wonderful loving Son of God, answered. The man “desired to justify himself” (maybe because because he was a lawyer or maybe this was just his personality), so he asked Jesus,  “And who is my neighbor?” Did he think he was going to stump Jesus and get out of this command? Or did he think, “Surely I can limit my responsibility?”

I think we look over this lawyer when, in reality, we often find ourselves with the same attitude and questioning that he is presenting to Jesus. He probably didn’t announce “Excuse me while I test Jesus,” and neither do we, but where in our everyday life are we trying to stump Jesus so we can justify our own actions?

How about we take an everyday example? You are driving down the road singing your Jesus music, then someone pulls out in front of you making you slam on your brakes as they go 10 miles under the speed limit. You get angry, start riding their tail and swerving behind them with the hope of passing them. But to Jesus you say, “Jesus, they are being so selfish; they are driving dangerously, and they are not concerned about others on this road (i.e., me).” And internally- as if Jesus can’t hear it-you say to yourself, “See self; you are totally justified in your anger because they are acting sinfully in their selfish driving. I mean Jesus doesn’t promote sin, so He should be fine with my righteous anger over the selfish driver.” You might even pat yourself on the back for your justified anger.

In Luke 4, Jesus quotes Scripture to the Devil, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”  Yet, that is exactly what this lawyer is doing, and Jesus answers him. Does Jesus have no limitation in his kindness and patience to us? The short answer is NO! He does not have a limit of love toward us no matter our motivations. It amazes me that Jesus gives this man two answers, and I have to remind myself that Jesus isn’t me, so he wasn’t huffing or rolling his eyes at being asked another question. I also have to remind myself that this same kindness is shown to me.

When I keep pushing on Jesus because I don’t like his answer, he patiently and lovingly keeps answering me. He doesn’t give up on me “getting it.” It also makes me wonder. If I was this lawyer and had one chance to challenge Jesus with a face to face question, what would it be? Would I be happy with the answer, or would I ask a follow-up question to try to find justification for my actions?

I can’t get past seeing myself in the lawyer. But isn’t it hopeful to know that even though Jesus rebukes Satan for his push to test God, Jesus chooses to answer this man-twice! When I knowingly or unknowingly push Jesus to test him or to justify myself, he answers. To be honest, this morning as I sit here writing about Jesus’s unwavering patience and desire to teach struggling and wayward people, it blows my mind. There is nothing in me that is worthy of such kindness or love or mercy. But that is the beauty of my Savior! His love for me is secure in who he is, not in my never testing him or justifying my actions. It is his love, grace, and kindness that lead me to be more like Him, to love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love my neighbor as he does.

Photo by Ugne Vasyliute on Unsplash