“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ”
– Luke 10:25
 This is the beginning of a new series dedicated to various aspects of the famous biblical account of “The Good Samaritan.” There is a question that begins this parable: What must I do to inherit eternal life? My first answer to this question, if someone asks me as a pastor today, is to tell them to depend on Jesus Christ; that He was crucified for them, and to believe in Him and they will be saved. This is the truth, and I believe it to be the case.
It’s interesting that Jesus doesn’t respond like that. That’s because the phrase “eternal life” in Luke 10 isn’t just about going to heaven after death. The Greek word for this is “zoe,” and it refers to something richer, deeper, and more awesome that will cause us to live on after this life ends. I get excited about life when I wake up in the morning because of that. It makes me smile as I walk around the block, reaching out to my neighbor. Friend, this is the kind of life that the Jewish rabbis talked about in the days of Jesus, and it was the kind of life that Jesus lived. There is something so awesome about living in God’s kingdom here and now, and the idea of living in it forever is amazing. Thus, Jesus replies to that question by telling the story of the Good Samaritan to the people. In the days to come, we will look at how Jesus answered this question and the additional wisdom He shared with us. |
Prayer
My Father, I thank you that eternal life is something richer, something deeper, something that will allow me to continue to live on after this life comes to an end.
Reflection
How does eternal life affect your current life? Do you reflect on it often?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Oh yes most definitely.I reflect on it often.And when the time comes for me to leave this earthly world behind.I know that for certain, there will be something better in heaven.Peace to all at Shepherd’s Grove.Peace love and good health to the Schuller Family.May God bless the United States of America