Matthew 22.34-46
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 22.37-39
The verbal challenges seeking trap Jesus in controversy continue. The first question was political, the second was doctrinal, and the third concerned the law, the commands of God. Jesus teaching on the law was well documented in his sermon on the mount. All of the commands of the Law and Prophets can be condensed down to loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. While seemingly simple, these two commands have comprehensive implications in how we relate to God and to people. Jesus was tested but now he turns the table and questioned those who test him. “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” The savoir of God’s people will not be the son an earthly king but the only Son of God, Jesus. Our response and relationship to Jesus will determine our ability to love God and love people. We can question God, but ultimately we are the ones who need to answer to him.
1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Where were you most encouraged, intrigued, challenged?
2. What does it mean to love the God with all your heart, soul, and mind? Why does Jesus call this the great and first commandment? How does failing this keep us from loving our neighbors?
3. How does the Pharisees answer about the identity of the Messiah show an incomplete understanding about the Savior’s nature? How does it limit what he comes to save?
4. Read Romans 13:8-10. How is loving your neighbor as yourself fulfilling the commandments of God? How is love more than simply not doing wrong to or harming your neighbor?
5. In what ways have you questioned God? How have you seen God’s word question you and your life? How have you responded?