The Greatest Commandment

00:00:00 Speaker 1: He said to him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind. Matthew twenty two thirty seven. Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for your unending love and grace. Thank you for the countless blessings you bestow upon us daily, for your presence and our lives, and for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Lord, we acknowledge our deep need for you in every aspect of our lives. Without you, we are lost and directionless. Teach us to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind. As you have commanded, transform our hearts, to fully embrace your love and to reflect it in our thoughts and actions. Grant us the strength and determination to live out this commandment each day. Help us to put you first and all we do, seeking your will above our own desires. Empower us to be beacons of your love, spreading your light and grace to all those around us. In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen. Thank you for praying with me. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast stories inspired by the Gospel to entertain, enlighten and encourage be sure to follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. The Disciples were seated along the banks of the brook Kidron. They mindlessly skipped rocks down the trickling stream. That morning, Jesus had two separate encounters with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Groups had given their best attempt at trapping Jesus in his words, but to no surprise to the disciples, Jesus had held his ground and walked away victorious. In the afternoon shade of the trees that lined the valley, they were able to let their minds and bodies rest. They always looked forward to moments of reprieve from the crowds and religious leaders. 00:02:25 Speaker 2: I tell you, Nathaniel, I don't know how he does it. First he puts the Pharisees in their place for a matter of taxes, and then without skipping a beat, he flawlessly answers the Sadducees questions on marriage and the resurrection when they don't even believe in the resurrection. 00:02:42 Speaker 3: Yes, Matthew, it really is a wonder how he keeps such a commanding knowledge of scripture. No, that's not a knock against Nezareth. 00:02:52 Speaker 1: Nathaniel glanced at James and John, who were just about to jab at Nathaniel's former thoughts of jesus hometown. 00:03:00 Speaker 3: All I'm saying is that he grew up as a carpenter, yet he teaches better than any rabbi I've ever heard. 00:03:08 Speaker 4: Not to mention, Jesus teaches differently than any rabbi we've ever heard. 00:03:13 Speaker 1: Andrew glanced down at the rock he had just plucked from the water. The stone was smooth and flat, slowly shaped by the steady a constant beat of the brook. He cast it out and watched its skin across the murky water. 00:03:29 Speaker 4: I mean, I definitely never expected life to look the way it is. I always assumed Peter and I would die out at sea as fishermen, and sooner rather than later. With how bad our catches are. 00:03:41 Speaker 1: Becoming, Peter laughed at his brother. He nodded his head in agreement. He, of all the disciples, never imagined being at this point in life. When he first met Jesus, he was ready to give up. Now he wasn't even going by the same name at just a few years earlier. He felt like an al together new person. In more ways, than one. The love Jesus had shown him had changed his heart forever. 00:04:16 Speaker 5: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing. It's not your feet, it's your shoes. This summer switched to Gediphi shoes with patentive Verso shock technology, which aligns your body, provides superior shock absorption and trampoline like energy return. 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Today we're diving into one of the most profound and beautiful teachings of Jesus, found in Matthew Chapter twenty two, verses thirty four through forty. This passage captures the essence of what it means to live a life that truly honors God, and the beauty of it is that it all boils down to three simple yet deeply challenging love, love God, love one another, and love. 00:06:03 Speaker 7: On mission. 00:06:06 Speaker 1: In the heart of Jerusalem, a group of Pharisees were gathering together in one of their homes. The house smelled of burning incense. Tapestries from different parts of the world were neatly placed on the walls around the house. The men were pacing around the room, engrossed in a deep conversation concerning Jesus and the work he was doing. 00:06:32 Speaker 8: Well. I can't say I'm not surprised, he bested the Sadducees. They've been lacking as of late. They actually thought they could trap Jesus and prove their crazy notion that there is no resurrection. 00:06:47 Speaker 7: Yes, but that's not our concern. Our real concern is that he bested the Sadducees and us. 00:06:56 Speaker 1: On the same day, a third Pharisee broke into the conversations. Benjamin had come from a long line of Pharisees and couldn't stand the thought of a singular man being the reason for their biggest problems. He had a plan to end it. 00:07:16 Speaker 7: You both are missing the point. This is only a problem if we let it remain one. I, for one, will not idly stand by a blasphema and false teacher parades around Israel, making a mockery of everything we stand for. For generations, we've protected the name of Adonai and brought honor to him. My father and his forefathers were some of the greatest Pharisees in the Lion's history, and I will not see the day that I falter in this most noble of callings. 00:07:53 Speaker 1: The pharisee made articulate hand gestures as he stormed around the room. His monolog seemed to be captivating his audience, so he carried on. 00:08:04 Speaker 7: He claims to be a teacher of the law, but on whose authority. His credibility is thin at best, and these parables are always talking in riddles. Why because he doesn't want anyone to realize he's a fraud. But if he wants to be seen as a harbinger of truth, let's give him the opportunity. 00:08:31 Speaker 1: His finger rapped lightly on the walking stick in his hand, he wrapped the end of it on the ground, as if in frustration, all ashore to capture the ears of the other pharisees. 00:08:44 Speaker 7: You see, I have studied the law with exceptional scrutiny. There is no commandment I do not have memorized, and no edict, rule or mitzvah I cannot recite. If Jesus of Nazareth believed he knows the law better than us, let him prove it. I was there when he answered the sadducees. He will undoubtedly be tired after this morning's questioning, and maybe the pressure from another visit will play in our favor. We shall find him and put him to the ultimate tests regarding the law. Yes, if he can't produce an adequate answer, we'll make our move to deface him in the public's eye. 00:09:30 Speaker 1: The pharisee looked to his compatriots. 00:09:33 Speaker 7: The ministry of Jesus will come to an end. 00:09:40 Speaker 1: Jesus made his way down the Mount of Olives after spending the afternoon in prayer. His face was turned toward Jerusalem. He beheld the city walls off in the distance, the temple's point visible against the blue skyline. Days before, he had been welcomed into the sea as a king, but he knew the days ahead would be long and arduous. For that reason, he dedicated as much time to being with the Father as he could. Descending from the mountain, Jesus spotted the Disciples trapsing along the banks of the Brook Kidron, headed toward Jerusalem. Jesus quickened his pace to catch up with them. He reached them just as the Disciples were entering the city gates. They were glad to see him well and seemingly unfazed by his run. Ends with the Pharisees and Sadducees. 00:10:37 Speaker 7: Master perfect timing. 00:10:40 Speaker 9: I hope your afternoon was a little more relaxing than this morning. We were just on our way back into the city. Judas mentioned we needed to restock supplies before heading to camp. Would you care to join us? 00:10:53 Speaker 10: I would be delighted to, though I don't know if we'll be alone for long. 00:10:58 Speaker 1: Jesus pointed ahead. The group making their way dutifully to Jesus and the Disciples was a band of Pharisees. Their clean blue fringed robes and white tunics stood out strikingly against the tans and beiges of their surroundings. They had calculated the moment they would swoop down on Jesus like a murder of crows, barring him near the city gates, insured the maximum number of pilgrims to overhear his humiliation before the Pharisees. 00:11:33 Speaker 7: Well, well, well, if it isn't the teacher Jesus of Nazareth. 00:11:39 Speaker 1: The pharisee spoke with an indignant air about him, showing no attempts at covering the sarcasm of his tone. 00:11:46 Speaker 7: Ah, our sincereous apologies for barraging you once again on this day. 00:11:52 Speaker 1: Jesus showed no sign of taking offense at the Pharisees. He gave a pacified smile. 00:11:58 Speaker 10: Oh, no, the apology is mine. It appears my teachings have become too complex for you to understand. Otherwise, why hence would you keep coming back with questions. If you want to be one of my disciples, just say so. 00:12:10 Speaker 1: The disciples looked at each other with raised eyebrows, unable to hide their smirks. 00:12:16 Speaker 7: One of your disciples. 00:12:18 Speaker 1: Benjamin looked over jesus shoulder at the ragged crew behind him. 00:12:23 Speaker 7: No, thanks, I'm not sure we have the right background to be one of your followers. However, I will admit that you're right in believing we've come to you with another question. 00:12:37 Speaker 10: By all means, I'm listening. 00:12:39 Speaker 1: Benjamin feigned mutual respect as he asked this question. 00:12:43 Speaker 7: From one expert of the law to another. Please tell us what the greatest commandment is in all the laws of Moses. 00:12:54 Speaker 1: Jesus pondered the inquiry for a moment. Benjamin believed he had finally been us. Did the Rabbi of Nazareth. He was forcing him into an unwinnable stance, for he perceived Jesus to be a breaker of the law, a rogue teacher who disrespected Moses. 00:13:13 Speaker 7: Perhaps the question is above you, teacher. 00:13:17 Speaker 10: No, no, that's not it at all. The answer is clear. I'm just considering the nature of your question. Though you have asked this question with guile in your heart, I will reply as if an innocent child has asked the question. 00:13:30 Speaker 1: Benjamin's eyes narrowed. He learned by now that it was best to allow Jesus to continue speaking, lest he use your own words against you. 00:13:41 Speaker 10: The first and greatest commandment is this, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and for ext credit on your little test let me share the second, that is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself. From the very first to the very last. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments. 00:14:07 Speaker 1: Benjamin had been right not to speak. There was no denying that jesus answer was more than sufficient, But his hardened shell against the teacher only grew harder. 00:14:21 Speaker 10: Now from one expert of the law to another, let me ask you a question of your interpretation of the word of God. Go on, what do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he? 00:14:33 Speaker 9: Oh? 00:14:33 Speaker 7: That's easy, the son of David. 00:14:36 Speaker 1: The Pharisee thought he had gotten away with an easy question, but Jesus quickly followed up with another. 00:14:43 Speaker 10: 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. 00:14:55 Speaker 4: Lord, how can he be his son? 00:14:58 Speaker 1: Benjamin and the other Pharisees had prepared for this. They had always worried that their questions wouldn't be enough to trap Jesus, but they didn't expect Jesus to ask a question to which they had no reply. This would be the last of their questions for Jesus during his ministry. The men straightened the collars of their robes, adjusted their head dresses, and strode back off towards the temple. They were willing to accept their defeat, though the war within them raged on. The disciples gawked at the speechless Pharisees making their retreat. Peter stepped forward and stood beside Jesus. 00:15:39 Speaker 7: Lord, you have had your fair shait of victories over the Pharisees, but never have I seen him flee like that. 00:15:47 Speaker 3: I mean. 00:15:49 Speaker 7: They were speechless. They were actually speechless. 00:15:53 Speaker 1: Jesus chuckled and looked across his shoulder at Peter. Their eyes met and overwhelmed. When he looked at Jesus, he saw the rabbi who had called him to cast his nets again. He saw his master, who had given him his new name. He saw his Lord, whose face had shone in magnificent light on the mountain where he was transfigured in glory. And now he was reminded that Jesus was the Messiah, the son of David and Lord of all. Jesus noticed Peter's prolonged silence. There are you all right. 00:16:36 Speaker 7: Peter, Yes, lordst thankful for. 00:16:41 Speaker 10: What do you find yourself thankful? 00:16:43 Speaker 8: Now? 00:16:43 Speaker 1: My friend Peter looked at Jesus with a tear in his eye, that you would love us as your own. Let's set the scene. The religious leaders of the time were not exactly Jesus's biggest fans. In fact, they were constantly looking for ways to trip him up, to catch him in a theological or legal mistake. In this story, the Pharisees, having seen jesus silence, the Sadducees, decide to take their shot. They send in a lawyer, an expert in the law of Moses, to ask Jesus a question, hoping to trap him. Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the law? Matthew Chapter twenty two, verse thirty six. Now this wasn't just a casual question. The Jewish law had six hundred and thirteen commandments, and debates about which were the most important were common. If Jesus chose one commandment, they thought he might be seen as neglecting others. It was a clever trap, But Jesus, in his wisdom, responds with the simplicity and depth that only he could provide. Jesus replied, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment Matthew chapter twenty two, verses thirty seven and thirty eight. Here Jesus quotes from Deutero Ronomy, chapter six, verse five a verse that every devout Jew would have known by heart. This commandment is about complete undivided devotion. Loving God with all your heart means giving him your deepest affection. Loving God with all your soul means committing your entire being to him. And loving God with all your mind means engaging in thoughtful, intentional devotion. But let's be honest, Loving God like this is a tall order. It's easy to say we love God, but Jesus is asking for an all encompassing love It's a love that shapes every decision, every action, every thought, and it's a love that demands our whole selves. As one scholar puts it, it is clear enough what it means to love the Lord with all we are, though it is impossible to do perfectly. Jesus doesn't stop there. He says, and the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself Matthew chapter twenty two, verse thirty nine. Here he's quoting from Leviticus chapter nineteen, verse eighteen, and this commandment is equally profound. Loving your neighbor as yourself doesn't mean you have to love yourself before you can love others. Rather, it means that in the same way you naturally care for your own needs, you should care for the needs of others. This is where the rubber meets the road. It's easy to say we love God, but how we treat others is the true test of that love. Do we show patience, kindness, and compassion. Do we seek the best for others even when it's inconvenient for us. Loving our neighbor means loving the difficult people, the ones who don't love us back, the ones who are different from us. It's about loving without conditions, just as God loves us. Finally, on these two commandments, Jesus says, hang all the law and the prophets Matthew, Chapter twenty two, verse forty. In other words, everything in scripture, everything about living a life that pleases God, boils down to these two loves. And here's where we see the third love, love on mission. When we love God and love others, we naturally begin to love what God loves, the world he created and the people he longs to save. Our love for God and others compels us to share the good news, to go out on mission, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in. 00:20:21 Speaker 7: A broken world. 00:20:22 Speaker 6: This love drives us to serve, to sacrifice, and to go beyond our comfort zones. Jesus lived out this love perfectly. He loved the Father completely, he loved people unconditionally, and he was on mission to seek and save the lost. And as his followers, we are called to do the same. So what does this look like for us today? It's about simplifying our faith down to its its most essential elements. Sometimes we get caught up in all the details of what we think we need to do to please God, but Jesus makes it clear. Love God, love one another, love on mission. Let's take a moment to reflect. How is my love for God? Am I truly loving Him with all my heart, my soul, my mind? What are the areas of my life where I'm holding back? How is my love for others? Am I loving my neighbor as myself even when it's hard? Who is God calling me to love better this week? How's my love on mission? Am I actively looking for ways to share God's love with those who don't know him yet? How can I be more intentional in living out this mission as we go about our week. Let's keep these three loves at the forefront of our minds, because when we get these right, everything else falls into place. Let's love God, love one another, and love on mission.