Loving God, Others, Yourself
Who is a person from your past that made a positive impression on you? What did you learn from this person?
People often gathered around Jesus to hear what He had to say. News had spread that he was able to do miracles, and many needed a miracle. They also brought their questions: Who are you? What are your credentials to teach? Who is your family? Jesus answered many of their questions.
People often gathered around Jesus to hear what He had to say. News had spread that he was able to do miracles, and many needed a miracle. They also brought their questions: Who are you? What are your credentials to teach? Who is your family? Jesus answered many of their questions.
One of those who had gathered to listen was a teacher of the law. He heard the discussion which also included debate. He also noticed that Jesus had given good answers to others so he asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
Jesus responded, “The most important one is this: 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.” Jesus went on to add, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-32
Jesus responded, “The most important one is this: 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.” Jesus went on to add, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-32
The teacher of the law was impressed and even commended Jesus for his wise and correct answer. If only he had known who he was really talking to! The teacher even quoted a scripture verse, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).” It is interesting that Jesus quoted this same verse several times during his earthly ministry (Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; and as recorded in Hebrews 10:5,8).
Jesus encouraged the teacher to go and live out those two great commandments. The message was true for the others gathered, and for you and I as well.
Jesus encouraged the teacher to go and live out those two great commandments. The message was true for the others gathered, and for you and I as well.
4832 Ponderings:
Closing Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, remind us of Your promise that You do not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Rather, for as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your love for those who follow You. You have forgiven our sins and have removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, empower us to live forgiven lives, full of love for all. In Jesus name, Amen.
adapted from Psalm 103:10-13
- The Greatest Commandments address three love relationships: God, neighbor, and self. How do we grow in each of these areas?
- What is the main point or takeaway from this section of scripture for you?
- How can you be influential in the lives of the people around you?
Closing Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, remind us of Your promise that You do not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Rather, for as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your love for those who follow You. You have forgiven our sins and have removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, empower us to live forgiven lives, full of love for all. In Jesus name, Amen.
adapted from Psalm 103:10-13
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