Why is this commandment considered the "greatest" by Jesus in Matthew 22:38? Setting the Scene Matthew 22 records a moment when a law expert asks Jesus to name “the greatest commandment in the Law.” Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 and declares: “ ‘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 22:37-38) The Commandment Itself • Heart – the core of our affections and will • Soul – the life-force, the seat of identity • Mind – the intellect, thoughts, and reasoning Love for God must engage every facet of human personality—nothing held back, no compartment untouched. Why Jesus Calls It “Greatest” Foundational to All Other Commands • Every other directive—moral, ceremonial, social—depends on this love. • “On these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:40) • Genuine love for God produces obedience (John 14:15). Reflects God’s Character • God is love (1 John 4:8). He invites people to mirror His nature. • Loving Him supremely aligns us with who He is—holy, righteous, faithful. Leads to True Obedience • External rule-keeping can be forced; wholehearted love motivates joyful obedience (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). • The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) was recited daily by Israel, teaching that devotion precedes duty. Fosters Covenant Relationship • The commandment establishes a personal covenant bond, not mere legal compliance (Exodus 19:5-6). • God’s saving acts (e.g., the Exodus; Christ’s cross) elicit loving gratitude (1 John 4:19). Unifying Heart, Soul, Mind • Sin fragments life; loving God integrates it. • Unified devotion guards against idolatry—no rival loves (Exodus 20:3). • Whole-person love fulfills what the Law sought but humans could not achieve apart from grace (Romans 8:3-4). Practical Takeaways • Examine motives: obedience flows from affection, not obligation alone. • Cultivate love through Scripture, worship, and remembrance of God’s works (Psalm 103:2). • Let love for God shape relationships—hence the “second” command to love neighbor (Matthew 22:39). • Measure spiritual growth by increasing, all-encompassing delight in the Lord (Psalm 73:25-26). |
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