8. (a) What question did “a certain man versed in the Law” ask Jesus? (b) How did Jesus handle that question, and why?

⁸ In Luke chapter 10, verses 25-28, we read about “a certain man versed in the Law” who sought to test Jesus out by asking: “Teacher, by doing what shall I inherit everlasting life?” How would you have replied? What did Jesus do? He could easily have given a direct answer, but he realized that the man already had a definite viewpoint on the matter. So Jesus asked him how he would answer the question, saying: “What is written in the Law? How do you read?” The man answered: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole strength and with your whole mind,’ and, ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” Jesus responded: “You answered correctly,” and then, paraphrasing a portion of Leviticus 18:5, he said: “Keep on doing this and you will get life.” On another occasion Jesus himself quoted those two commandments in answer to a question. (Mark 12:28-31) But this time the man with whom he was speaking knew the Mosaic Law and apparently wanted to see if Jesus agreed with what he had learned from it. Jesus let him have the satisfaction of giving the answer himself.

10. (a) What can we learn from that example of Jesus’ teaching? (b) How might we apply some of those points when using our current Topic for Conversation in the field ministry?

¹⁰ What can we learn from that example of teaching? Did you observe the following? (1) Jesus directed attention to the Scriptures for the answer to the man’s opening question. (2) The man was invited by Jesus to express himself, and warm commendation was given when a discerning comment was made. (3) Jesus made sure that the connection between the question and the scriptures was kept in focus, as shown in Lu 10 verse 28. (4) An illustration with heart appeal was used to make sure that the man did not miss the real import of the answer. Following that pattern can help us to reason effectively with others from the Scriptures.