The Great Commandment is a central tenet in Christian theology, encapsulating the essence of the moral and ethical teachings of Jesus Christ. It is prominently featured in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus articulates the foundational principles of love towards God and neighbor as the summation of the Law and the Prophets.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 22:34-40 : In this passage, the Pharisees, having heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, gathered together to test Him. One of them, an expert in the law, asked Jesus, "Teacher, which commandment is the greatest 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 depend on these two commandments."

2. Mark 12:28-34 : Here, a scribe approaches Jesus and inquires about the foremost commandment. Jesus answers, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." The scribe acknowledges the truth of Jesus' words, and Jesus commends him, saying, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

3. Luke 10:25-28 : In this account, a lawyer tests Jesus by asking what must be done to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by asking what is written in the Law. The lawyer answers, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,' and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Jesus affirms his answer, saying, "You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live."

Theological Significance:

The Great Commandment underscores the primacy of love in the Christian faith. It reflects the Shema, a traditional Jewish prayer found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which emphasizes the oneness of God and the call to love Him wholly. By linking the love of God with the love of neighbor, Jesus encapsulates the ethical demands of the Mosaic Law, highlighting that genuine love for God is inseparable from love for others.

Interpretation and Application:

From a theological perspective, the Great Commandment serves as a lens through which all other commandments are to be understood and applied. It calls believers to a holistic devotion to God, engaging the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and extends this devotion into practical love for others. This dual commandment challenges Christians to live out their faith in tangible ways, fostering community, compassion, and justice.

The Great Commandment also serves as a corrective to legalism, emphasizing that the heart of the law is relational rather than merely ritualistic. It invites believers to transcend mere rule-following and to cultivate a deep, abiding love that reflects the character of God.

Historical Context:

In the context of first-century Judaism, the question of the greatest commandment was a common topic of rabbinic debate. Jesus' response, therefore, not only aligns with Jewish tradition but also redefines it by placing love at the center of religious life. His teaching challenges both the religious leaders of His time and His followers to prioritize love above all else.

Practical Implications:

The Great Commandment has profound implications for Christian ethics and discipleship. It calls for an integrated life where love for God is expressed through worship, obedience, and service, and love for neighbor is demonstrated through acts of kindness, mercy, and justice. It serves as a guiding principle for personal conduct, community life, and social engagement, urging believers to reflect God's love in every aspect of their lives.