Are Good Samaritans Good Enough for Eternal Life?

"Good Samaritan" laws protect those who help others in emergencies, a clear example of how much the language of the Bible goes through our culture. We naturally assume Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan teaches kindness toward everyone—even those unlike us, such as a Samaritan aiding a wounded Jewish man.

While compassion is certainly a key lesson here, the parable holds an even deeper meaning. Originally, an expert in religious law approached Jesus, asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). He believed eternal life was achievable through his own efforts. Then attempting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29).

Jesus' parable gives us a humbling truth: loving our neighbor as fully and selflessly as God requires is beyond human ability. Even our most compassionate acts fall short. I've heard believers confidently . . . . say they're saved by faith, yet somehow suggest their love toward God and others also secures their place in heaven. But love, however noble, remains a human effort—a work—and our love is always imperfect.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan points us to our need for a Savior. Only Jesus loved flawlessly and was the perfect neighbor. His grace, forgiveness, and love alone grant eternal life, a gift we receive solely through faith.
Should we imitate the Good Samaritan's compassion? Absolutely! Does our imitation earn us eternal life? Not at all. Eternal life remains the gracious gift of God, freely given through faith in Christ alone.

Not Because You Must, But Because You Are Willing

Have you ever found yourself jumping onto the bandwagon—doing something simply because everyone else is? Social pressure can lead us to act without true conviction. When it comes to serving God and caring for others, there’s a better way!

The Apostle Peter writes, "…watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be" (1 Peter 5:2). He's speaking particularly to church leaders—those entrusted with the spiritual care of souls. But this truth applies to every believer. Genuine service in God's kingdom isn't born from obligation or social expectation; it springs from a heart willing and eager to reflect Christ's love.

We desire pastors, teachers, and fellow believers who serve because they genuinely want to. We maintain God’s house out of willingness. We teach children his Word from a desire to share the joy we've received. We give our time, our talents, and resources not because we feel forced, but out of deep gratitude.

Our motivation comes purely from Christ’s compelling love. Paul captures this beautifully,

"For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died" (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Today, ask yourself: Am I serving out of obligation or because I am genuinely willing? The love of Christ for you personally will show you the way.

In Luke 9:57-62 three individuals come up to Jesus eager to follow him, but each reveals that on the inside there is some hesitation: comfort, family obligations, and lingering attachments. Jesus doesn’t necessarily scold them for what they want to do—but he does show them the cost of truly following him.

We all have to make choices daily. We can’t do everything, and have to decide what is worth sacrificing for.

The first man offers to follow Jesus anywhere. But Jesus responds with a reminder: “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Following Jesus means being ok with a less than comfortable life.

The second asks to bury his father. That seems like a reasonable request. But Jesus says, “Let the dead bury their own dead.” That’s no “anti-family” message. It just means that God’s . . . . kingdom is above even the most sacred of our family commitments.

The third wants to say goodbye to family. Jesus replies with an image of plowing a field. Looking back while plowing ruins the straight path. Looking back spiritually—longing for the old life—endangers faithfulness.

God’s grace to us in Jesus Christ is free and full. We don’t need to earn God’s favor and forgiveness by our level of discipleship. But discipleship itself for a saved Christian has a high cost. Jesus doesn’t lower the bar. He raises our eyes to see the seriousness and beauty of life in his kingdom.

Where might be your hesitation in following Jesus? What pulls your gaze backwards?

Jesus has gifted you the glories of eternity! Don’t look back. Fulfill your many callings with joy.

"No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).

Faith Across Generations

The Apostle Paul opens his second letter to his young pastor friend, Timothy, with some comments on family connections.

He speaks with heartfelt gratitude—not just for Timothy, but for the long line of faith behind them both. I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did… (v.3). He remembers the deep roots of his own faith, stretching back to Abraham.

Likewise, Timothy inherited his belief from the teaching of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice.

Isn’t that how faith often comes to us? Through Scripture shared in regular moments of life, quiet prayers at bedtime, and the steady example of someone who trusts God. Wherever it began, your faith is now part of a living chain. Build on it. Pass it on. Start it fresh if you must.

What do you know about family members before you? Any funny stories or traditions they have passed down to your generation? How about examples of faith or great memories of being in the Word together?

In our family it can at times be easy to talk about faith, and at times very challenging. Paul encourages Timothy—and us—not to be ashamed of this faith, even when it’s hard to share. We’ve been called with a holy calling, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of Christ’s grace.

And while faith often begins at home, it grows as we long to be with our spiritual family, those united not by blood, but by hope in their Savior, Jesus Christ.

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did (2 Timothy 1:3)

God’s Ancient Blessing That Affirms Who We Are

How do you know who you are? We’re frequently told to find that out for ourselves in modern U.S. culture. But often we find out who we are by what others tell us.

In a movie I remember seeing years ago the question was raised to a group of men, “When did you know you were no longer a boy, but a man?” The main answer was, “When my dad told me I was.” That could apply to daughters with their moms, or so many other situations.

Thousands of years ago God gave his people a sacred blessing. More than just a poem, this blessing, which we still hear today, tells us who we are in God’s eyes.

“The LORD bless you and keep you.” God isn’t distant or passive; He longs to bless and protect us. His blessings aren’t . . . . always material, but they are always personal—his presence, his guidance, his grace, his provision.

“The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.” In ancient times, a shining face symbolized favor and delight. God looks at you with joy, not disappointment. He’s a gracious God who doesn’t give us what our sins deserve but offers mercy and love.

“The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” This is a promise of God’s nearness and attention. To have His face turned toward us means we are not forgotten. And what flows from His presence? Peace—real, lasting peace in a turbulent world.

When this blessing is spoken, God puts his name on his people. It’s a mark of belonging. Today, rest in the truth that you are seen and kept by a God who delights in blessing you.

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24–26)

The Tower of Babel seemed like a good idea. It used new technology—brick instead of stone, tar for mortar (Genesis 11:3). The people were unified, aiming to build a tower to the heavens.

But the project had major flaws. God had told people to spread across the earth, but they refused. Their motives were wrong: “so that we may make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4). They ignored God’s purpose and glory.

Technology today is advancing rapidly, offering benefits in health, work, knowledge, and convenience. But the downsides—like anxiety, laziness, and isolation—can be harder to see.

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master” (Nobel prize winner Christian Lange). Even united efforts can do harm when they lead people away from trusting God toward human pride and self-reliance.

So God confused their language. He reminded them—and us—that projects focused on self-glory don’t lead to eternal relationship with Him. Do your undertakings include God? Do you seek His guidance and align your plans with His Word? Even unity can go wrong without God at the center.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit reversed Babel’s division. People of many languages heard and understood the gospel—God’s grace through Jesus. True unity comes from that message.

We’re not here to build our own towers but to help build God’s kingdom through the Holy Spirit in the gospel.
“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:21)

Do you like the thought of things being “uniform”? Does it evoke feelings of pride in wearing the same clothes as your military companions or sports team or college? Or does it seem oppressive as in a dictator trying to squash liberties, or boring and limited as in an authority figure who dislikes creativity?

It all depends on what’s behind the uniform. The difference lies in whether it is forcing us into something we don’t like, or expressing the joy of being part of a group we love.

We lost the right to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden through sin. There is a group that will have the right returned to them. We are outside the eternal city of God by nature. There is a group that will be able to walk right through the gates of the city into eternal bliss. Everyone in that group has the same uniform.
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14)

We can’t get to the tree of life in . . . . the heaven without our robes, the robes washed in the blood of Christ.
But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

We don’t make these robes or wash them clean ourselves. The gift is just that – a gift.
Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)

Through faith in Jesus you won’t be “left off” the team. God will recognize your clothing washed in Christ. The gates will be opened for you. Beside the tree of life your full life will begin!