Keeping It Simple: Understanding the Scripture

"Keeping things simple" always reminds me of the parable we refer to as "The Good Samaritan" (Luke 10:30-37). Some people don't get, or much less like, simple. The central exchange leading to the parable was a question raised by the lawyer who came to put Jesus to the test asking, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25). Jesus replies in verse 26, with two questions that are profound in their simplicity, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”

The lawyer clearly knows the answer to the question for he responds in verse 27, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus affirms the lawyer's answer saying, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live” (vs. 28). The irony here is the lawyer's unwillingness to accept the simplicity of what he does know and what Jesus clearly affirms as being correct.

The lawyer thought that answer was TOO SIMPLE. As we noted from in the beginning he had an ulterior motive (verse 25). The gospel writer, as he narrates the response of the lawyer to Jesus' affirmation of his own correct answer, emphasizes for all people, of all time, just where and when the simple teaching of Jesus becomes complicated. It became complicated for the lawyer, as Luke notes when he, "But wishing to justify himself... (vs. 29). Luke begins the narrative of the lawyers response using the adversative "BUT."

Now stop right here and let's examine his answer. Let's begin by thinking about the use of this adversative "but" for a moment. Quite frankly, it is right here, where people begin to complicate and manifest their failure as disciples of Jesus (Luke 9:57-62). More often than not, when one begins any reply to "doing" anything Jesus' taught with the word "BUT," it reveals an ulterior motive. Thus, one complicates the simplicity of Jesus' teaching because they desire to JUSTIFY THEMSELVES rather than honor Jesus with simple trust and obedience. (Yes, I have a sermon I sometimes call "Breached Disciples" or "But First Disciples").

Like so many people today, this lawyer makes complicated what he "knows." He proves that "knowing" what the Scriptures teach is not the same thing as understanding (believing) the Scripture. After all, the Devil quoted Scripture but he didn't understand/believe them.
The Psalmist reminds us we do NOT have a correct understanding of what it means to love and fear God until we practice His commandments: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever." (Psalms 111:10). If that is too old (school) law for you, Jesus PLAINLY said, "If you love me you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15).