Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
And the second is like it
This phrase introduces the second greatest commandment, which is closely related to the first. The Greek word for "like" is "homoios," indicating similarity or equivalence in nature or character. This suggests that the love for others is not just a separate command but is intrinsically connected to the love for God. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of the Law, where love for God and love for neighbor were seen as inseparable. The phrase sets the stage for understanding the interconnectedness of divine and human relationships.

‘Love your neighbor
The word "love" here is translated from the Greek "agapao," which denotes a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others. This is not merely an emotional affection but an active commitment to the well-being of others. The term "neighbor" (Greek: "plesion") extends beyond immediate family or community to include all of humanity, reflecting the expansive nature of God's love. In the historical context, this command challenges the prevailing social norms of the time, which often limited love to one's own ethnic or religious group.

as yourself
The phrase "as yourself" implies a standard of love that is both personal and universal. The Greek word "heautou" for "yourself" suggests an understanding of one's own needs and desires, which becomes the measure for how we should treat others. This command presupposes a healthy self-regard, recognizing that just as we naturally care for our own needs, we are to extend that same care to others. In a scriptural context, this reflects the imago Dei, the belief that all humans are made in the image of God, deserving of dignity and love. This phrase challenges believers to transcend selfishness and embrace a community-oriented mindset, embodying the love of Christ in everyday interactions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is responding to a question about the greatest commandment. He emphasizes love as central to the law.

2. Pharisees
A religious group in Israel known for strict adherence to the law. They often challenged Jesus with questions to test Him.

3. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which includes commandments given to the Israelites. Jesus summarizes the law with love for God and neighbor.

4. Neighbors
In the context of this commandment, "neighbor" refers to fellow human beings, emphasizing the universal call to love others.

5. The Great Commandment
The context of this verse is Jesus summarizing the law with two commandments: love for God and love for neighbor.
Teaching Points
The Centrality of Love
Love is not just an emotion but an action and commitment. It is the foundation of Christian ethics and behavior.

Understanding 'Neighbor'
In the original Greek, "neighbor" (pl?sion) implies anyone we encounter, not just those we are close to or agree with.

Self-Love as a Measure
The command to love others as ourselves implies a healthy self-regard. We are to care for others with the same attention and respect we desire for ourselves.

Practical Love
Loving your neighbor involves tangible actions—helping, serving, and showing kindness, even when it is inconvenient.

Love as Witness
Our love for others is a testimony to our faith in Christ. It is through love that others see the reality of the Gospel in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the original context of "neighbor" in Leviticus 19:18 enhance our understanding of Jesus' command in Matthew 22:39?

2. In what ways can the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) help us identify who our "neighbors" are today?

3. How does the command to love your neighbor as yourself challenge our natural inclinations and societal norms?

4. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to love someone. How can the teachings in 1 John 4:20-21 help you overcome such challenges?

5. How can we practically demonstrate love in our communities, workplaces, and families, in light of Romans 13:8-10?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 19:18
This Old Testament verse is the original command to love your neighbor, which Jesus quotes, showing continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

Luke 10:25-37
The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates who a neighbor is and how to love them, expanding on the practical application of this commandment.

1 John 4:20-21
These verses emphasize that love for God is inseparable from love for others, reinforcing the teaching of Matthew 22:39.

Romans 13:8-10
Paul reiterates that love fulfills the law, echoing Jesus' teaching that loving others is central to Christian living.
Love Thy NeighbourGeorge MacDonaldMatthew 22:39
The Eternal GoodnessCharles KingsleyMatthew 22:39
Character Made by LoveH. Melvill, B. D.Matthew 22:30-40
Christ's Two CommandmentsMatthew Hole.Matthew 22:30-40
Comprehensive Summary of the Ten CommandmentsL. O. Thompson.Matthew 22:30-40
ConcomitantsS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
God the Object of LoveH. Melvill, B. D.Matthew 22:30-40
How May We Attain to Love God with All Our HeartsMatthew 22:30-40
It is the Duty of Every Man to Love His Neighbour as HimselfY. Milward, A. M.Matthew 22:30-40
Like unto ItR. Hooker.Matthew 22:30-40
Love Divinely Cultured in UsH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
Love for God the Ruling EnergyDr. Thomas.Matthew 22:30-40
Love is a Busy GraceS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
Love of God to be the Dominant PassionJ. E. Kempe, M. A.Matthew 22:30-40
Love of Neighbour Man's Second DutyArchbishop Secker.Matthew 22:30-40
Love Renders Service EasyH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
Love Ruling the Soul, But not Excluding Other Proper ActivitiesH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
Love the Fulfilling of the LawH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
Love to GodW. B. Collyer.Matthew 22:30-40
Proprietorship Heightens LoveS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The First and Great CommandS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Heart to be Educated as Well as the IntellectCapel Cure, M. A.Matthew 22:30-40
The Law of LoveR. Frost, M. A.Matthew 22:30-40
The Law of LoveA. H. Charteris, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Law of the HeartE. Bersier, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Love of God Man's First DutyArchbishop Secker.Matthew 22:30-40
The Love of Our NeighbourW. H. Burns.Matthew 22:30-40
The Mind's Love for GodP. Brooks, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Nature of Moral and Positive DutiesS. Clarke.Matthew 22:30-40
The Royal LawHooper.Matthew 22:30-40
The Second is Like unto ItJ. B. Mayor, M. A.Matthew 22:30-40
The Second is Like unto ItJohn Trapp.Matthew 22:30-40
The True ReligionH. W. Beecher.Matthew 22:30-40
The Worth of Love Determined by its ObjectS. Annesley, D. D.Matthew 22:30-40
The Greater CommandmentsJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 22:34-40
The Two CommandmentsW.F. Adeney Matthew 22:34-40
People
David, Herodians, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Fellow, Likewise, Love, Neighbor, Neighbour, Similar, Thyself
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 22:39

     5067   suicide
     5765   attitudes, to people
     6604   acceptance, human
     8242   ethics, personal
     8298   love, for one another
     8340   self-respect
     8827   selfishness
     8841   unfaithfulness, to people

Matthew 22:34-39

     8452   neighbours, duty to

Matthew 22:34-40

     5381   law, letter and spirit
     8441   goals

Matthew 22:34-46

     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Matthew 22:35-39

     1175   God, will of

Matthew 22:35-40

     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching
     8412   decisions

Matthew 22:36-40

     8405   commands, in NT

Matthew 22:37-39

     5053   responsibility, for world
     5379   law, Christ's attitude
     8296   love, nature of

Matthew 22:37-40

     2057   Christ, obedience
     5362   justice, believers' lives

Matthew 22:39-40

     5867   golden rule

Library
Sacrifice to Caesar or to God
Eversley, 1869. Chester Cathedral, 1872. Matthew xxii. 21. "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Many a sermon has been preached, and many a pamphlet written, on this text, and (as too often has happened to Holy Scripture), it has been made to mean the most opposite doctrines, and twisted in every direction, to suit men's opinions and superstitions. Some have found in it a command to obey tyrants, invaders, any and every government,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

The Kingdom of Heaven
Chapel Royal, St James'. 1873. St. Matt. xxii. 2-7. "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Two Ways of Despising God's Feast
'And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3. And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 6. But they made light of it, and went their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Same Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42
1. The question which was proposed to the Jews, Christians ought to solve. For the Lord Jesus Christ, who proposed it to the Jews, did not solve it Himself, to the Jews, I mean, He did not, but to us He hath solved it. I will put you in remembrance, Beloved, and ye will find that He hath solved it. But first consider the knot of the question. He asked the Jews what they "thought of Christ, whose Son He was to be;" for they too look for the Christ. They read of Him in the Prophets, they expected Him
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the Marriage of the King's Son; against the Donatists, on Charity. Delivered at Carthage In
1. All the faithful [2986] know the marriage of the king's son, and his feast, and the spreading [2987] of the Lord's Table is open to them all [2988] who will. But it is of importance to each one to see how he approaches, even when he is not forbidden to approach It. For the Holy Scriptures teach us that there are two feasts of the Lord; one to which the good and evil come, the other to which the evil come not. So then the feast, of which we have just now heard when the Gospel was being read, has
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42, Where the Lord Asks the Jews Whose Son they Said David Was.
1. When the Jews were asked (as we have just now heard out of the Gospel when it was being read), how our Lord Jesus Christ, whom David himself called his Lord was David's Son, they were not able to answer. For what they saw in the Lord, that they knew. For He appeared to them as the Son of man; but as the Son of God He was hidden. Hence it was, that they believed that He could be overcome, and that they derided Him as He hung upon the Tree, saying, "If He be the Son of God, let Him come down from
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Wedding Garment
The parable may be discoursed upon under five heads. Here is an enemy at the feast; here is the king at the feast; that king becomes the judge at the feast; and hence the enemy becomes the criminal at the feast; and swiftly is removed by the executioner at the feast. I. We see in the text AN ENEMY AT THE FEAST. He came into the banquet when he was bidden, but he came only in appearance, he came not in heart. The banquet was intended for the honour of the son, but this man meant not so; he was willing
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Parable of the Wedding Feast
In order to understand the parable before us we must first direct our attention to the design of the "certain king" here spoken of. He had a grand object in view; he desired to do honor to his son upon the occasion of his marriage. We shall then notice the very generous method by which he proposed to accomplish his purpose; he made a dinner, and bade many: there were other modes of honoring his son, but the great king elected the mode which would best display his bounty. We shall then observe, with
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Making Light of Christ
In the first place, we shall have a few words with you, concerning what it is that the sinner makes light of; secondly, how it is that he makes light of it; and thirdly, why it is that he makes light of it. Then a general observation or two, and we shall not weary you. In the first place, WHAT IS IT THAT THE SINNER MAKES LIGHT OF? According to the parable, the person alluded to made light of a marriage banquet which a king had provided, with all kinds of dainties, to which they were freely invited,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Beatific vision
MATTHEW xxii. 27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. These words often puzzle and pain really good people, because they seem to put the hardest duty first. It seems, at times, so much more easy to love one's neighbour than to love God. And strange as it may seem, that is partly true. St. John tells us so--'He that loves not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?' Therefore many good people, who
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Eternal Goodness
MATTHEW xxii. 39. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Why are wrong things wrong? Why, for instance, is it wrong to steal? Because God has forbidden it, you may answer. But is it so? Whatsoever God forbids must be wrong. But, is it wrong because God forbids it, or does God forbid it because it is wrong? For instance, suppose that God had not forbidden us to steal, would it be right then to steal, or at least, not wrong? We must really think of this. It is no mere question of words, it is
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Heavenly Banquet.
20th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. xxii. 4. "Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready; come unto the marriage." INTRODUCTION.--The Kingdom of Heaven has two meanings in this parable. It means in the first place the Catholic Church. Into that the apostles and pastors of Christ invite men to enter, and many refuse. In the second place it means the Church Triumphant,--eternal blessedness, and into that the pastors of Christ's Church invite you
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Profession and Practice.
18th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. xxii. 42. "What think ye of Christ?" INTRODUCTION.--Many men are Christians neither in understanding nor in heart. Some are Christians in heart, and not in understanding. Some in understanding, and not in heart, and some are Christians in both. If I were to go into a Temple of the Hindoos, or into a Synagogue of the Jews, and were to ask, "What think ye of Christ?" the people there would shake their heads and deny that He is God, and reject His teaching. The
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Image of Self.
23rd Sunday after Trinity. S. Matthew xxii., 20. "Whose is this image?" INTRODUCTION.--Some people are very fond of contemplating their own excellencies, of admiring their good qualities, or their success in life; they will talk to you of what they have done, how they made this lucky hit, how they outwitted so-and-so, how they escaped such a danger by their foresight. But they are not fond of considering their imperfections, of lamenting their faults, of confessing their failures, their lost opportunities,
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Thankfulness to God.
Harvest S. Matthew xxii., 21. "Render--unto God, the things that are God's." INTRODUCTION.--David says in the 8th Psalm, "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him: and the son of man that Thou visitest him? Thou makest him to have dominion of the works of Thy hands; and Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet, all sheep and oxen; yea, and the beast of the field, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea." I. The mastery of man is even more extensive than this; he controls
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Love Thy Neighbour
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.--ST MATTHEW xxii. 39. The original here quoted by our Lord is to be found in the words of God to Moses, (Leviticus xix. 18:) "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord" Our Lord never thought of being original. The older the saying the better, if it utters the truth he wants to utter. In him it becomes fact: The Word was made flesh. And so, in the wondrous
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Of Gratitude for the Grace of God
Why seekest thou rest when thou art born to labour? Prepare thyself for patience more than for comforts, and for bearing the cross more than for joy. For who among the men of this world would not gladly receive consolation and spiritual joy if he might always have it? For spiritual comforts exceed all the delights of the world, and all the pleasures of the flesh. For all worldly delights are either empty or unclean, whilst spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honourable, the offspring of
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election.
MANY are called, saith our Saviour, Mat. xxii. 14. but few chosen. Oh dreadful sentence. who is able to hear it without trembling and astonishment! If he had said, that of all the Men that are born in the World, there are but few saved, this would not have struck such fear and horror in us; for we might still hope, that though Turks, Jews, and Heathens, which are far the greatest part of the World, should all perish, yet we few in comparison of them, who are baptized into his Name, who profess his
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

The Christian State
Scripture references: Matthew 22:17-22; 17:24-27; Acts 23:5; John 6:15; Matthew 4:8-10; John 18:36-38; Mark 14; 61,62; John 18:33; 19:19; Isaiah 9:6,7; 60:3; Zechariah 9:10; Daniel 7:14; Matthew 26:64; 26:53,54; 16:16,17; 25:31,32. CHRIST AND THE STATE The Relation of Christ to the State.--He was an intense patriot. He loved His country. The names of His great countrymen, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua and David, were ever on His lips. He offered Himself as the national Messiah (Matthew 21:1-17),
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Marriage of the King's Son. ^A Matt. XXII. 1-14. ^a 1 And Jesus answered and spake again in parables unto them, saying, 2 The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son, 3 and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come. 4 Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
(Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision A. Pharisees and Herodians Ask About Tribute. ^A Matt. XXII. 15-22; ^B Mark XII. 13-17; ^C Luke XX. 20-26. ^a 15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk. ^c 20 And they watched him, and sent forth { ^b send unto him} ^a their disciples, ^b certain of the Pharisees and of { ^a with} ^b the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk. [Perceiving that Jesus, when on his guard, was too wise for them,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question
THE last day in the Temple was not to pass without other temptations' than that of the Priests when they questioned His authority, or of the Pharisees when they cunningly sought to entangle Him in His speech. Indeed, Christ had on this occasion taken a different position; He had claimed supreme authority, and thus challenged the leaders of Israel. For this reason, and because at the last we expect assaults from all His enemies, we are prepared for the controversies of that day. We remember that,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor.
These maxims, good for a country where life is nourished by the air and the light, and this delicate communism of a band of children of God reposing in confidence on the bosom of their Father, might suit a simple sect constantly persuaded that its Utopia was about to be realized. But it is clear that they could not satisfy the whole of society. Jesus understood very soon, in fact, that the official world of his time would by no means adopt his kingdom. He took his resolution with extreme boldness.
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Royal Marriage Feast.
PART I.--THE WEDDING GUESTS. "And Jesus answered, and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

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