Luke 10 continued:

A lawyer comes to put Jesus to the test.  He asks an important question, " Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"   We want the answer to this question, don't we?  We want it in black and white... what is the formula?  What specific things, what are the necessary words and works...  It is a very important question!

Jesus replies with two questions, " What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?"  

Now, this man was an expert in the Law.  He knew the correct answer to the first question. " You shall 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 your neighbor as yourself."  Good answer!  Jesus approves!  It is in black and white ( or whatever colors scrolls were written in)!  "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live." Jesus tells him.  The lawyer who thought he was putting Jesus to the test.. was just tested his own self.. and he passed!  Well, at least this section....  but, he realizes that there is more to the test, so he asks, " And who is my neighbor?"

Jesus answers the lawyers question with one of the most well known stories in the Bible, the story of the good Samaritan.  We know this story well...  A man is robbed, beaten and left for dead.
A priest comes by, sees him, and passes by.
A Levite comes by, sees him, and passes by.
A certain Samaritan comes by, sees him.. and has compassion on him.  He treats the man's injuries, takes the man to an inn,  pays for the man's keep and care, and takes responsibility for the man's bills.  He goes beyond the expected.. way beyond.  He has shown mercy and "proved to be a neighbor" to the man.  The word neighbor means someone close by... a fellow man, someone near.  The Samaritan man bothered to come near to the beaten and dying man and helped him.  He showed mercy.
Jesus tells the lawyer, " Go and do the same."

This is the part of the Law that the religious leaders were missing.  The "go and do" part.  This is often the part we miss too.  It is good to know the Law in our minds, but until we put it into action, until we draw near to those in need, until we see AND act... we are failing the test.
How does the Law read to us?  Is it a book that we read and then go about our own way?
Or is it something that we try our best to follow? Crossing off the list... haven't killed anyone, haven't stolen anything, etc?
Or, are we hearing what Jesus is saying and actually doing it?
Are we proving ourselves to be neighbors?  Showing mercy to those in our paths...

Father in heaven, Lord of all creation,  every creature is yours, every man, woman, and child belongs to you.  We know that some have made themselves your enemies, but that does not mean that we should stop being merciful.  You tell us to overcome evil with good.  That if our enemy is hungry, we should feed him; or if he is thirsty we should give him a drink. You have told us to never repay evil with evil. To never take revenge. Help us to do this in the Name of Jesus.  Open our eyes to see the needy ones in our paths through this day.. and may we not pass by.. but have compassion, to come to their aid, to do Your will.  This is the Kingdom way... and when the Kingdom of God comes, then the dominion of darkness falls! O Praise You Lord!  Your Word is True and Your Heart is Good!!! Thank you for transforming us by renewing our minds with Your Word today.  Be glorified in our lives we ask. Amen.