Key Verses: Deuteronomy 6:5, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." & Leviticus 19:18, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD"
The books of Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell a similar story. In each of these books, Jesus is in the company of some of the Jewish religious leaders.
In Matthew and Mark's account, Jesus was asked by one of the Jewish religious leaders what the greatest commandment of the Law was. This guy was trying to trick Jesus, but Jesus turned it around on him.
Jesus actually answered in an amazing way. If he had answered incorrectly, or had given an answer that wasn't well thought out, the Jewish leaders could have accused Him of trying to abolish parts of the Law.
A lot was riding on Jesus' answer.
Before you go on, stop for a minute and read Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. Sum up those passages in one sentence.
We might not get it now, some 2,000 years later, but at the time what Jesus did by putting these two commandments together was a big, big deal.
In answering the Jewish leaders this way, Jesus combined the emphasis of the first half of the Ten Commandments (obligation to God) with the second half (obligation to others). But Jesus did more than that...
Look back at Matthew 22. Compare verse 37 with verse 39. Circle the powerful word appears in both verses. Did you catch it? You should have circled the world Love.
The most amazing thing Jesus did was make His answer all about love. It wasn't about rule following. It wasn't about stale religion. Jesus said we mu;st love God, and love people.
Love God. Love People.
It really is that simple.
Think about any changes you might need to make in your life to begin to show more love and thankfulness to God. Think about any attitudes or issues you have that get in the way of loving others. Now, pray to God that He will help you put into practice the changes you need to make in your life.
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