Today’s verse: Matthew 22:37

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Scripture: Matthew 22: 34-45

(Make sure to read the Scripture passage before reading the blog)

In today’s passage, we see two important questions being asked. One was asked by a Pharisee who was a lawyer and the other question was asked by Jesus.

Which is the great commandment? (verses 34-40):

Jesus answered with the right answer to all those who questioned Him so far. A lawyer who is familiar with the commandments given to Moses questions, ‘Which is the great commandment?’ (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). Christianity is based on the love we have for God and the love we shower towards our neighbors. Love should come deep from our hearts. In the Old Testament period, we see situations based on Tit for Tat. But as we are all living in the New Testament era, we should forgive others’ mistakes and accept them (Matthew 5:38-48). When our love for God increases, brotherly love increases as well (loving our neighbors). This love is complete when it is visible in our actions.

Who is Christ? (verses 41-45):

Jesus gave answers to all the questions asked by the Pharisees and Sadducees. But Pharisees struggle to answer the question asked by Jesus (John 8:3-11). Bartholomeu the blind man called Him saying the ‘Son of David.’ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, people shouted saying ‘Hosanna to the Son of David.’ It is significant to know Jesus as the Lord of David than the Son of David. We should not see Him just as a David who won all the wars in the world, but we should see Him as the Son of God who showers God’s love upon us through His sacrifice. The Pharisees saw Him as a man who was born in David’s son. They failed to see Him as the Son of God (Luke 24:13-16,25-31). There are many who hasn’t entered into this experience yet.

Remember,
Keeping God as our first priority increases our respect!

Dear God,
Help me to know You more and love You and my neighbors more. Amen!