“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 verse sets the stage for one of the most profound teachings in the Bible, leading into the parable of the Good Samaritan. It begins with a question posed by an expert in the law, a person deeply familiar with religious teachings and commandments, yet seeking to test or trap Jesus. What’s intriguing here is the nature of the question itself: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” It is a question that transcends time, reflecting a universal human concern about the meaning of life and what lies beyond.

In our modern world, where the pace of life often leaves little room for deep reflection, this question remains as relevant as ever. We live in an era of information overload, where answers to almost any question are just a click away. Yet, the profound questions about life, purpose, and eternity resist easy answers. The expert’s question invites us to pause and consider what truly matters. It’s a reminder that amidst our daily routines and endless to-do lists, it’s crucial to seek answers to life’s deeper questions.

Furthermore, the context in which this question is asked should prompt us to examine our own motivations. The expert in the law was testing Jesus, perhaps looking for loopholes or a way to justify himself. This reflects a common human tendency to seek answers that confirm our biases or justify our actions. In our spiritual and moral inquiries, it’s vital to approach questions with genuine openness and humility, ready to be challenged and transformed.

As we ponder this verse, we should ask ourselves: Are we genuinely seeking understanding and growth, or are we looking for answers that suit our preconceived notions? The journey to eternal life, as Jesus goes on to illustrate, is not about ticking off a checklist of righteous acts but about embodying love and compassion in our everyday interactions. In this way, the question becomes not just an inquiry about the afterlife but a guiding principle for how we live each day.