A Lawyer, a Samaritan, and Jesus, pt. 1

Just as Satan tested Jesus in the wilderness, so a lawyer rises to question him, intending to humiliate and trap him in his words. Yet Jesus knows what is in the heart of this man. The question he asks is a good one, on the surface, but reveals a lack of understanding of his sin and depravity. Though Jesus affirms the man's answer as correct, he carefully shows him his error, namely, that he has failed to keep the very law he claims to live by. The parable of the Good Samaritan is designed to help the lawyer (and all who trust in their works) see that salvation comes by faith alone, apart from works.