Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:34-46.
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment 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 hang on these two commandments.” While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Jesus didn’t ask for the debate with the religious leaders but He uses it as an opportunity to teach them and those around them about what is most important. They were expecting to confuse Him but the answer comes honestly and plainly “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (v. 37). Who can argue with that?
Seeing our connection with our Creator as our first duty changes the priorities in our lives. When we live for God in all we do, we can be confident in our words and actions. Knowing and sharing His love becomes a blessing instead of a task to be accomplished.
Jesus wants us to see God’s love for us and our love returned to Him as it was intended – the original order of creation. We were made to be in relationship with God and each other. When we remember this and live it out, we restore the connection.
Loving Lord, help us set our attention on what is most important, our love for You and all Your children. May we see ourselves as part of Your eternal family, loved and blessed. Amen.