Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, lawyers, also referred to as "experts in the law" or "scribes," were individuals well-versed in the Mosaic Law. They played a significant role in religious and legal matters within Jewish society. Their interactions with Jesus often involved testing His knowledge and authority, as they sought to challenge Him and His teachings.Testing Jesus: 1. The Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34): One of the most notable instances of a lawyer testing Jesus is found in the synoptic Gospels. In Matthew 22:34-40, after Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, a lawyer approached Him with a question to test Him: "Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?" (Matthew 22:36). Jesus responded by summarizing the Law with two commandments: loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and loving one's neighbor as oneself. This response not only demonstrated Jesus' profound understanding of the Law but also highlighted the essence of the commandments. 2. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): Another significant encounter is recorded in Luke 10:25-37. A lawyer stood up to test Jesus, asking, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25). Jesus turned the question back to the lawyer, asking him what is written in the Law. The lawyer correctly answered by citing the commandments to love God and neighbor. Seeking to justify himself, the lawyer further inquired, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29). Jesus responded with the Parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating that true neighborly love transcends ethnic and social boundaries. 3. Question of Authority (Luke 11:45-52): In Luke 11:45-52, Jesus addresses the lawyers directly, condemning them for their hypocrisy and for burdening the people with heavy loads of legalistic requirements. A lawyer, feeling insulted, remarked, "Teacher, when You say these things, You insult us as well" (Luke 11:45). Jesus continued to rebuke them, highlighting their failure to truly understand and apply the Law in a way that reflects God's justice and mercy. Role and Influence: Lawyers in the time of Jesus were influential figures, often associated with the Pharisees. They were responsible for interpreting the Law and ensuring its application in daily life. Their interactions with Jesus reveal a tension between the established religious order and the new covenant that Jesus was proclaiming. While some lawyers were genuinely seeking truth, others were more concerned with maintaining their authority and status. Jesus' Response: In each encounter, Jesus demonstrated His authority and wisdom, often turning the questions back on the lawyers to reveal deeper spiritual truths. His responses emphasized the heart of the Law—love and mercy—over mere legalistic adherence. Through these interactions, Jesus exposed the limitations of human understanding and the need for a transformative relationship with God. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 22:35Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Nave's Topical Index Luke 10:25-37 Library The Good Samaritan. Controversy The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, Self-Examination Authority and the Adventurer Instructions to Converts. Biographical Preface. A Harp of Ten Strings Love Thy Neighbour The Situation after the Council of Nic??a. Resources Why should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is theosophy? | GotQuestions.org Who was Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.org Lawyer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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