The Master at work
by Pastor Reid Matthias
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But [the expert in the law] wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘Who then is my neighbour?’ (Luke 10:29).
Read Luke 10:25–37
‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’
The expert asks a masterful question; the Master responds expertly. This scenario is pure Jesus and a masterclass on engaging with people about faith.
- Jesus returns the expert’s serve with a question. Instead of answering and closing the book on the question, Jesus invites the expert into a conversation and relationship. That’s what questions do. ‘What does the Law say? How do you read it?’ (verse 26)
- Jesus acknowledges the expert’s opinion (verse 28). Jesus doesn’t shut him down even when the expert tries to justify himself. When we acknowledge different opinions, even if we don’t agree with them, we build a bridge for continued relationship.
- Jesus invites the expert into a story (verses 30–37). It would have been quite simple for Jesus to humiliate the expert’s racism, superiority and arrogance, but instead, Jesus told a story to help the expert draw the right conclusions. As I read the end of the story, I don’t get a sense that the expert went away angry, offended, or ready to retaliate on social media. It feels like he leaves to chew on what he has been taught.
Perhaps the question for us is, are we prepared to ask questions of those whose opinions differ? Are we willing to hear the thoughts and ideas of others? Are we willing to invite people into the story of faith using everyday symbols that allow others to draw their own conclusions?
Holy Spirit, thank you for bringing people into my life who ask great questions. Help me to be curious, listen and hear their stories as we journey through life together. Amen.
Reid Matthias is the school pastor at St Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, Queensland. Reid is married to Christine, who, together with their three incredible daughters, Elsa, Josephine, and Greta, have created a Spotify channel (A 13) where they have recorded music. Reid has recently published his seventh novel, A Miserable Antagonist, maintains the blog ireid.blogspot.com and regularly contributes to The Lutheran magazine.
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