Jesus was the itinerant preacher who lacked all credentials but God’s approval. As he made his way toward Jerusalem, a lawyer put him to the test asking, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus in turn asked him his interpretation of the Law regarding that subject. The Lawyer responded correctly, citing the great Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5
) and Leviticus 19:18. This call for unconditional, unreserved love for God lays the foundation for our understanding of the Gospel.
