Luke 10:25-28
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
27 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.’
28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:25-28: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 25: “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?'”
This verse sets the scene. An expert in Jewish law approaches Jesus. His intention is to test Jesus. He asks a fundamental question about eternal life. This question is central to Jewish and Christian theology.
Verse 26: “‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?'”
Jesus responds with a question. He directs the expert back to the Scriptures. Jesus emphasizes the importance of the Law. He asks for the expert’s interpretation, showing respect for his knowledge.
Verse 27: “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.'”
The expert quotes two commandments. The first is from Deuteronomy 6:5. The second is from Leviticus 19:18. These commandments summarize the Law. They emphasize love for God and love for others.
Verse 28: “‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.'”
Jesus affirms the expert’s answer. He emphasizes action: “Do this.” Knowing the commandments is not enough. One must live them out. This is the path to eternal life.