Introduction:
Have you ever wondered: What is God’s Greatest Commandment?
Has anyone ever asked you that question?
I have often wondered that myself.
There are plenty of rules and regulations in the Bible that is for sure.
Look at the first 5 book of the OT: 613 commands/laws only 20 positive
Today when we think about laws it is for protection.
There are plenty of laws that offer protection, yet we still have crime.
That was the same thinking in 1st Century Israel, at least I hope that was their thinking.
Do those same laws apply today? Was that perhaps the thinking in 1st Century Israel?
So, what is the answer to the question: What is God’s Greatest Command?
Let’s take a look…..
Point 1: Expert in Law tried Trick (vs. 34-36)
Sadducees had been silenced by Jesus
Pharisees then sent plan in motion.
Can you image asking and testing Jesus and then realize that every answer Jesus gives, there is no response, no rebuttal. (Sadducees)
The Sadducees experienced that first hand.
Have you had an experience where Jesus just made you go silent?
Plan for Pharisees was simple: try and trick Jesus.
Pharisees plan: good or bad?
Jesus knows all and yet Pharisees “tried” to trick Jesus.
Pharisees knew the law there is no doubt.
Psalm 94:11 says, “The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.” (NIV)
Do you think Jesus can be tricked?
Have you today tried to trick Jesus? Did it work?
Here is the question: Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?
Keep in mind that the Pharisees and Sadducees knew the Law inside and out. I believe they forgot just who Jesus was and is. He invented the Law. He created the Law. Jesus was there in the beginning of all creation.
Now let’s see what the answer to the “trick” question…..
Point 2: Love God (vs. 37-38)
Look at Jesus reply…..He actually quotes Dt. 6:5-6
Deuteronomy 6:5-6 says, “5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.” (NIV)
Do you think there was some hesitation before Jesus answered the question? Do you think Jesus just spat out the answer? I think a little of both.
Definition of Love:
A warm attachment, enthusiasm or devotion; unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another; a person’s adoration of God
We are to love. Love with every soul of our being.
We have been given the gift of Love from God since creation.
We were created out of Love!
To love God with our heart, soul and mind takes a total commitment.
Do we have a total commitment with God? Do we love God with all that is within us?
God loves us so much that He gave us his Son. (John 3:16-17)
John 3:16-17 says, “16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (NIV)
We are to give everything we have. Yet today, we don’t that to happen because might cause us to change. God does not change, we change. We want to put God in a box and only have God come out and reveal himself to us as we see fit!
If we truly say we love God, then we need to tell people who much we love him! Don’t be afraid to share God’s love!
Point 3: Love Your Neighbor (vs. 39-40)
Jesus also tells to love our neighbor. Who is your neighbor?
Definition of neighbor:
One who lives near or next to another; a person, place or thing adjacent to or located near another
We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. That can be very difficult if we don’t even love ourselves.
We must keep in mind that God loves us just they we are. Remember God created us in his own image. He created our neighbors in his image as well.
Genesis 1:26-27 says, “26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (NIV)
God created everything! He created us to worship him and love Him!
Are we loving our neighbors? Are we being judgmental toward our neighbors? Jesus paid the price for everyone.
Romans 13:10 says, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (NIV)
Galatians 5:14 says, “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV)
James 4:12 says, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?” (NIV)
All the above scriptures I have read all point to one thing: Our neighbors are all around us. We should love them unconditionally and not be judgmental toward them. If God loves our neighbors then so should we.
Would you be willing to help out your neighbor?
Look at Good Samaritan: Ultimate Act of Love
Who is our neighbor? Jesus was asked this by an “expert” who wanted to justify himself.
Luke 10:30-35 says, “30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’” (NIV)
Perfect example of helping our neighbors is the Good Samaritan. Why? He had mercy on the man who was beaten and helped him. We should do the same just as Jesus instructed the expert.
Conclusion:
So what is God’s greatest commandment?
Love God and Love Neighbor
These 2 commands sum up all the other commandments.
Are we willing to love God and love our neighbors?
Remember, that God loved us so much to save all of us from sin!
That is my prayer today!
