In The Face Of Testing
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 20
Luke 10:25–42 (NIV)
By Daniel Tong, Steward, Local Church Executive Committee
READ:
Luke 10:25–42 (NIV)
The Good Samaritan is a parable we often hear preached over the pulpit or taught in Sunday School. Jesus told this parable in response to an expert in the law who was out to test Him, perhaps in the hope that He would slip up and give him an opportunity to bring Jesus’ ministry into disrepute. The question he posed to Jesus was, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”. Jesus did not get impatient or angry; instead He patiently asked the expert questions on the Law and told a parable to illustrate who is truly a “neighbour”.
We too may be ‘tested’ in our daily lives by people who perhaps are looking to trip us up or show how good they are. It is easy to become impatient or irritated with such people, those who ask a question with an ‘obvious’ answer. I face this all too often in the market place and there is always a temptation to retort.
What I have learnt from this passage is how Jesus responded, not with impatience or anger, but taking the opportunity to patiently teach a lesson on compassion.
In the face of testing, I want to be like Jesus, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love (Psalm 103:8). May my words be in accordance with Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” I am committed to be mindful of how I respond when being tested and to be more like Jesus.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to show us the way to live. I pray that I will walk closely with You, that You will grant me the strength and wisdom to do what is right, to honour and glorify You through my actions and words. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
[ Reflection Questions ]
- How do you respond to ‘testing’?
- What can you learn from Jesus’ response to the “expert in the law” in this passage?
- What is one thing you will apply from what you have learnt from today’s passage?
