Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:34-46.
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
The Pharisees make one last desperate attempt to discredit Jesus by asking “what is the greatest commandment?” This seems unanswerable, but Jesus replies quickly and with great wisdom. Loving God and each other is absolutely necessary for keeping all the commandments.
In 1 John 4:8 we read “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” We cannot claim to love God if we do not love His children. Jesus has taught us this in everything He says and does.
Love is the basis for all our relationships, here and in eternity. When we share God’s love with one another, He blesses our efforts and shows us new ways to reach others for Him. Only through our love given freely can we prepare the way for His kingdom.
Wise and wonderful God, our lives would not exist without Your love. Help us to share this gift with everyone that they may know and love You as well. Amen.