Introduction

The occasion and context: A Jewish expert on the Torah—the Law—asked Jesus which was the most important commandment, and at the time there were a lot to choose from… The Ten Commandments, of course, which we’ve all heard of before. But also, people just like this man—they were called Scribes—had expanded and classified and codified the ten into 613 total commandments to follow!

And these groups loved to argue and debate over all the minute details of the Law, and what was required to live life as God intended. This is why Jesus says things like, “They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” (Matthew 23:4) He’s talking about all the commandments and rules… But I digress, back to the question…

Jesus’ answer was startling, because he dared to single out any commandment as more important than others. In fact, this man’s question may have been intended as a trap, to expose Jesus’ questionable theology that caused him to value some laws more highly than others… Which would’ve been a problem to the religious leaders. But his answer was also both brilliant and profound…His answer turned the world and history upside down for those who follow him.

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that what he said should shape everything we say about Christian spirituality—it’s that important!

His answer turned the world and history upside down for those who follow him.

The Shema

Jesus began by quoting a portion of the traditional Jewish “Shema,” found in Deut. 6:4-9. Read Deut. 6:4-9. He did not choose one of the Big Ten Commandments, or any of the 613. But he was still on very solid ground, because nothing was held in higher regard than this foundational statement of ancient Judaism… All that to say, Jesus was still doing well in the eyes of the scribes and Pharisees for leading with the Shema.

Shema means “hear”, the first word of this historic creed. In Judaism, nothing was—or is—more important. It was the first prayer that Jewish children are taught to pray. It was recited first thing every morning, and last thing every night. It is the quintessential expression of the most fundamental belief and commitment of Judaism… Even Jesus would have recited the Shema while He was here on earth.

What it teaches: There is one God ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium