The Great Commandment Matthew 22 34 40 Teacher

The Great Commandment Matthew 22: 34 - 40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law? ” Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. ” (22: 36 -40

Timeline of Passover Week • Monday – Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey colt to a Messiah’s welcome • Tuesday – Jesus cleansed temple of sacrifice merchants and money changers • Wednesday – He entered the city again and on the way He cursed the fig tree – The Judgment Parables • While teaching in the temple courts, the religious leaders questioned the source of his authority • Jesus condemns the Jewish leaders through the parable of the tenants • Jesus condemns the multitudes through the parable of the wedding banquet • Wednesday – Responses to Three Questions • Jesus answers the question regarding payment of taxes to Caesar • Jesus answers the question regarding the resurrection • Jesus answers the question regarding the greatest commandment

The Approach of the Pharisees (vv. 34 -35) Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: (22: 34 -35) • The Sadducees were speechless after Jesus’ response to their question regarding the resurrection • The Pharisees decided to try to entrap Jesus themselves. They gathered and plotted their next question • They chose a lawyer to ask Jesus the next question

The Question by the Lawyer (v. 36) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? ” (22: 36) • “What was the greatest commandment of Moses? ” • Scribes and Pharisees were said to sit in Moses’ seat (Matt. 23: 2) because they represent the ultimate authority in Judaism • Rabbis categorized the law in various ways: – – “Heavy” – absolutely binding “Light” – less binding Could not agree which laws fell into each category Debating the question of the greatest law for centuries

The Response of the Lord (vv. 37 -40) Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. ” (22: 37 -40) • Jesus response was in accord with Mosaic law and Jewish custom • The commandment was part of the Shema (Hebrew for “Hear”), so named because it began with, “Hear, O Israel. ” – Deuteronomy 6: 4 -9, 11: 13 -21, and Numbers 15: 37 -41 – Jews recited the Shema twice a day • Scripture texts were copied on small pieces of parchment and placed in small boxes worn on the foreheads and left arms of Jewish men during prayer

The Response of the Lord (vv. 37 -40) • “Love” – Hebrew word “Aheb” • Act of mind and will, the determined care for the welfare of something or someone • Distinguishing characteristics – dedication and choice • Love that recognizes and chooses to follow that which is righteous, noble, and true, regardless of one’s feelings on the matter – Equivalent to Greek word “Agapao” in New Testament

The Response of the Lord (vv. 37 -40) • To love the Lord will all of one’s heart, and soul, and mind connotes comprehensiveness – Heart – core of one’s personal being – Soul – closest to what we call emotion – Mind • usually translated as “might” in Deuteronomy 6: 5 • Intellectual, willful vigor and determination, carrying both the meaning of mental endeavor and of strength • Genuine love of the Lord is intelligent, feeling, willing, and serving – Involves thought, sensitivity, intent, and action – God has never sought empty words or empty ritual • Love for and obedience to God are inseparable – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ” (John 14: 15) – Trust and obey

The Response of the Lord (vv. 37 -40) • Second greatest commandment – “Love your neighbor as yourself” – Involves the same virtue as the first – Love – Genuine love for one’s neighbor is: • Purposeful, intentional, and active • Not merely sentimental and emotional

Conclusion • The basic requirements of both Judaism and Christianity are summed up in the same dual command: Love God Love one’s fellow man