Religious leaders question Jesus about the greatest commandment --------------------------------------------------- Mk 12:28-34 (also in Mt 22:33-40) (Harmony 195) One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the discussion. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength!.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself!. No other commandment is greater than these.”! The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbors as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.” Realizing this mans understanding, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions. THOT: Law of Love ----------------------- Gods laws are not burdensome. They can be reduced to two simple principles: (1) Love God and (2) love others. These commands are from the Old Testament (Dt 6:5; Lev 19:18). When you love God completely and care for others as you care for yourself, then you have fulfilled the intent of the Ten Commandments and the other Old Testament laws. According to Jesus, these two commandments summarize all Gods laws. Let them rule your thoughts, decisions, and actions. When you are uncertain about what to do, ask yourself which course of action best demonstrates love for God and love for others.
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 11:24:27 +0000
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