Love the Lord Your God
Matthew 22:37–39
(Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible)
Matthew 22:37–39 Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
During the final week of Jesus’ life, after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Jesus spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts. The Jewish leaders were publicly challenging Him, asking Him to identify the greatest commandment in the Law.
Jesus responded by going to the heart of the matter. He showed that the Law is not ultimately about rule-keeping, but about love. He said that all the Law and the Prophets hang on two commandments.
First, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This is a call to total devotion. There is no part of our lives that should be untouched by our love for Him. To love God in this way means to desire Him above all else and to fully surrender to Him.
Second, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. In the same way we naturally care for our own needs, comfort, and well-being, we are to extend that same care and concern to others.
As Holy Week unfolds and Jesus goes to the cross, we see Him perfectly fulfill both of these commandments. He submits completely to the Father’s will. This is perfect love for God. At the same time, He gives His life for others rather than preserving Himself. This is perfect love for people.
Through this, we see the heart of God, a God who loves us deeply. Our response is to turn our love toward Him and ask Him to let His love flow through us to others. ~ Jeff M Newman
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Observe Jesus’ Commands
Pay your taxes.
Mark 12:13-17 Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words. 14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” 15 But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” 16 So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. 17 Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him. (Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:25)
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