Dealing With Insincerity

Luke 10:25-36

Many news reporters take great pride in asking the hard questions. Unfortunately, some of their questions are designed to force one to support their agenda, rather than discerning the truth. Such questions can be almost impossible to answer without playing into their hands. Because the media can control what part of the testimony the viewers and readers hear, the interviewee is at a definite disadvantage.

Lawyers use the same process in a trial to convince a jury of their position, and many witnesses leave the stand feeling that they were forced to lie or prevented from telling the whole truth, despite the oath they had to take. It is the same approach hecklers use to discredit ideas they oppose. Any legitimate question needs an honest answer, but these are not sincere questions. They are traps disguised as legitimate questions with the intent of making the asker look smart. The lawyer who questioned Jesus had the same intent, tempting him. No matter what Jesus said, it could probably be twisted to imply something else.

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25)

Acting in human wisdom, we may well fall into the trap by answering insincere questions in a manner that enables people to continue in their own opinion. Since we have no way of predicting what questions might be asked, Jesus advises that we just trust the Holy Spirit to direct our speech in such cases in Mark 13:11. “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.”

Rather than answering directly, Jesus asked the lawyer what he believed. Now the lawyer has to commit himself to a position, and he no longer has the advantage of a well known public figure. In a another case the Holy Spirit might direct another approach, more fitted to the situation at hand. Learning to allow the Holy Spirit to direct will enable us to avoid many such traps.

“He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” (Luke 10:26-27)

The lawyer knew the answer the law had given, and quoted it back. Jesus’ response to his answer was essentially, “You‘re right, so just do it.” How can you attack or disagree with some one who just said you’re right?

“And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:28-29)

Obviously there was a sense of not meeting the requirements as the lawyer wanted to justify himself. One doesn’t need to justify himself if there is no sense of guilt. Shakespeare reveals the same understanding when Macbeth says, “Methinks the lady doth protest to much.” She wouldn’t need to protest her innocence or establish an alibi if she was innocent.

When confronted with a failure on their part, most people try to avoid responsibility. A lady once asked my dad to make a list of everything she couldn’t do as a Christian so she’d know it was okay to do anything that wasn’t on the list. Many churches have taken a similar approach, setting a list of acceptable standards and requirements. The lawyer wanted a list of who he had to love. Jesus used a parable to explain his answer.

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” (Luke 10:30-32)

Both the priest and the Levite were integral parts of the Jewish worship, having a responsibility to set the example as to what believers should do, much as pastors and deacons do in the modern church. Both were too involved with maintaining their own appearance and prestige to risk getting blood on themselves or delaying their journey. The priest tried to ignore what he’d seen, while the Levite went and looked more closely, but neither took action, even though the man was obviously one of their own people. They just didn’t want to get involved.

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” (Luke 10:33-35)

The Jews despised the Samaritans as half-breeds and their religion as a perversion of the Jewish religion. In normal circumstances, the Jew would never have even looked at the Samaritan, but when he was hurt, the Samaritan forgot about the prejudice to help him. In fact, he delayed his own journey, applying first aid and medication as needed. I find it significant that he anointed him with oil, literally applying it as a medication, especially since olive oil has been proven to have healing properties. It gives an understanding of what is meant in James 5:14. “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” How often does God want us to apply the medication he provided and trust him to provide the healing? He doesn’t have to use the medication, but he may choose to.

The Samaritan then set the injured man on his own donkey and walked himself, to get to the nearest Motel. When he arrived, he rented a room, and guaranteed to pay for room service and anything else the injured man might need, knowing that it would cost at least two days pay, and perhaps more. All this for a man he didn’t know, of a race who hated him, with no inkling of being repaid, and with no tax deduction for his efforts.

“Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)

Religion doesn’t make a man a Christian. We can perform all the rules a religion requires and be the most highly respected person in our church without being saved. The attitude or spirit motivating us is far more important than the actions themselves, but if the spirit is right, it will produce actions. This is why James 2:17 declares, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” The Levite and the priest took no action, implying that their faith was only a show.

It’s up to the lawyer what he will do about it.