How does Matthew 22:35 connect with Deuteronomy 6:5 about loving God? Setting the Scene—Matthew 22:35-38 • “One of them, an expert in the Law, tested Him with a question: ‘Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?’ Jesus declared, ‘ “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.’ ” (Matthew 22:35-38) • A religious lawyer tries to trap Jesus; instead, Jesus reveals the core of the entire Law. Rooted in the Shema—Deuteronomy 6:5 • “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) • Given immediately after the Ten Commandments, the verse calls Israel to total devotion. Key Connections Between the Two Passages • Same Command, Same God – Jesus quotes Deuteronomy verbatim, affirming its enduring authority. • Expansion, Not Alteration – Jesus adds “mind,” showing that intellectual devotion is included in “heart” and “soul.” • Covenant Continuity – Deuteronomy speaks to Israel; Jesus applies it to all who follow Him, confirming that God’s expectation of wholehearted love never changes. Cohesive Love: Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength • Heart—center of will and affection (Proverbs 4:23). • Soul—whole person, life itself (Psalm 103:1). • Mind—thoughts, understanding (Romans 12:2). • Strength—energy, resources (Colossians 3:23). • Together they describe an undivided, all-encompassing devotion. Further Scriptural Threads • Joshua 22:5—“love the LORD your God… walk in all His ways.” • 1 John 5:3—“This is the love of God: to keep His commandments.” • Mark 12:32-33—Scribe agrees with Jesus, calling this love “more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Practical Takeaways • Jesus’ citation of Deuteronomy confirms that loving God is not optional but foundational. • True obedience flows from love; duty without devotion misses the heart of God’s Law. • Evaluating our love for God means examining every arena—affections, thoughts, choices, and physical actions—to see whether He is truly first. |
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