Matthew 22:34-40
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As we continue watching the desperate efforts of those intent on discrediting Jesus, read Matthew 22:34-40 stopping to notice anything that stands out to you.
Both Mark and Luke record stories similar to this one in their respective Gospels, but Mark portrays the expert in religious law as having genuine interest in Jesus’ answer and Luke places the story earlier in Jesus’ ministry. Perhaps Jesus was asked this question more than once, or perhaps Matthew had a different vantage point than the eyewitnesses who informed Mark’s and Luke’s accounts. But all three Gospel writers recognize the essential nature of Jesus’ answer.
Take a moment to contemplate the importance of love. According to Jesus, it is the highest goal both in regard to our relationship with God and our relationships with others. More than obedience, more than good behavior, more than right thinking, Jesus tells us that love is sum of the entire message of Scripture.
Sit with this for a while and share your thoughts with Jesus.
Read Matthew 22:34-40 again with all of this in mind.
Love is the highest law and the essence of God’s message to humanity. So what is love? If it is as all-encompassing as Jesus says, it is obviously not simply an emotion or a feeling.
For the remainder of this time of reflection, meditate on the words of the Apostle Paul below. These are most likely overly familiar words, but try to approach them as if you had never read or heard them before. Use the lens Jesus gives us in this passage and read them through that lens: “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
What might Jesus be inviting you to learn or do to live out the two greatest commandments?
How do you plan to respond?
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