What's the Greatest

Opening Story

How do I struggle with this?

Question

How do we struggle with this?

Text

What does the Bible say about this?

Matthew 22:37–40 CSB

37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important command. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

vs. 37 is very similar to

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 CSB

4 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is known as the Shema, was recited several times daily by faithful Jews.

In this portion of scripture the Pharisees again attempt to discredit Jesus - this time with a legal question.

Matthew 22:36 CSB

36 “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?”

Jewish legal experts often were in debate about the priority of the commandments. This wasn’t truly to see which was most important but the use something Jesus would say against Him.

Matthew 22:37 CSB

37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

The heart, soul, and mind collectively represent the whole person; one should love God with total love and devotion. With everything in them.

Let’s take a look at the ten commandments. Which did Christ point to as the most important?

Matthew 22:38 CSB

38 This is the greatest and most important command.

Again pointing to the Shema

Matthew 22:39 CSB

39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Leviticus 19:18 CSB

18 Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.

Jesus quotes from Leviticus.

Matthew 22:40 CSB

40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 22

22:40 depend all the law and the prophets The commands to love God and others do not replace the instructions of the Law or the teaching of the Prophets. Rather, obedience to this twofold commandment fulfills the essence of their teaching.

Application

What should you do about this?

Challenge

How can we all live this out together?

Pray together.

Time to Shine!