Setting Up the Story

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Sermon Outline

The setup

• Jesus told this story in response to a man who asked a question (vv. 25-29)

The Lawyer

• an expert in the law (v. 25)

A very serious Question

• What must I DO to inherit eternal life? (v. 25)

Jesus responds to his question with a question (v. 26)

• Questions are important in gospel conversations

The Lawyer's answer (v. 27)

• Deuteronomy 6:4-5
• Leviticus 19:18

Jesus' answer in return

• Go do it! (v. 28)
• Jesus is beginning to expose this man’s inability to really carry out the law

Jesus is addressing how this man views himself.

• HE is oblivious to his own condition.
• We need to help people understand their condition before God.

The Lawyer presses Jesus for a definition of neighbor (v. 29)

• He continues to try to justify himself.

Application

1. Evaluate your heart.
2. Learn to engage others thoughtfully, directly, fittingly.