Luke 10:25-37 records the conversation that transpired between a certain lawyer and Jesus. The lawyer addressed Jesus as “Teacher” and asked “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”, Interestingly, Jesus did not respond with an answer but instead sought the answer out of the questioner himself by cross-questioning as to “What was written in the law?” and “What was the lawyer’s understanding of it?”. The lawyer responded that “One must love God totally and love his fellow men/women (neighbors) as himself.” Jesus affirmed that the answer given was right and asked the lawyer to go and do likewise.
Close scrutiny of this account reveals to us that Jesus, the Teacher teaches us a valuable lesson. When someone questions as to “What they must do to inherit eternal life?”, it is important that we respond in the language that the questioner understands. Jesus knew the law and the lawyer had studied the law. Jesus used the opportunity to speak in the professional language that the lawyer would be familiar with. Jesus is the best professional lawyer you can have on your side. He is The Advocate who has never lost a case and who never will. The Bible actually teaches us that he is the righteous Advocate who represents us with God the Father (1 John 2:1) and he is faithful to preserve and present us blameless by totally sanctifying our whole spirit and soul and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
Points to ponder:
Is Jesus your Advocate/lawyer? Have you believed in him, so that he can represent you with God the Father?
1 John 2:1-3 (KJV)
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (KJV)
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
