How can we know, love, and follow Jesus? In Luke chapter 10, Jesus wants to prepare His followers for when He is gone. Many people come to Jesus to ask Him questions. An expert in the law asked Jesus what he had to do to have eternal life. Jesus answered by asking him what the law said. He replied, “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.” Jesus told the law expert that he was correct. Jesus wants us to love God and love people!
Then the man asked who was his “neighbor.” Jesus answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, a man is attacked and left to die. When a priest and Levite were passing by, they moved to the other side of the road and did not help the man. A Samaritan came by and stopped to help the man. He took him to an inn and paid for all he would need before continuing on his journey. After the story, Jesus asked the expert who he thought was a neighbor. When the expert answered, “The one who had mercy on the man.” Jesus told him to go and do the same. Who is your neighbor? If you answered everyone, you are absolutely correct!
In these stories, we can see people asking questions to better understand how to live life the way God wants. You can ask God questions, too! If you want to know more about how to follow Jesus, ask God to help you understand. God speaks to us in many ways, whether it’s through the Bible, our parents or teachers, or the opportunities He gives us. He may give you an answer you weren’t expecting!
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for Your stories that show us how to treat others and how we should spend our time focused on You. Thank You for the way Jesus taught and encouraged people to find answers to questions. Help us to remember that every person we meet is a neighbor who we should show Your love to.