This summer, during our Wednesday evening Bible study, we have looked at several confrontations Jesus had with his opponents. In Matthew 22,we looked at two confrontations: the first with the Pharisees and Herodians over the issue of Roman taxation; and the second with the Sadducees over the resurrection. In both instances, Jesus silenced his critics and amazed the crowds with his simple and scriptural answers to their questions.Matthew 22 culminates with the Pharisees sending one of their experts in the law to test Jesus on the greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:34-40 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 7 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
All of the law and the prophets hang on two simple acts: love for God, and love for man. You can’t have one without the other. This Sunday, we will look closer at what it means to love God and our neighbor. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
In Christ,
Gary T. and family