Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46 Click here for the reading
Observation: Questions arise (again) to trap Jesus. An expert in Religious law offers the question "what is the most important commandment?" Jesus' answer neglects to fall into that trap.
Application: Jesus' answer does, however, help answer the question for us about what we are supposed to prioritize. At it's basic level, Jesus said; "love God and love people." The commandments teach us what this looks like. Jesus compassion shows us who it looks like. The cross shows us the cost.
Love God, and love People. Sounds simple but in reality it is anything but. I get in the way of myself doing that. It is easy to say but it doesn't cost me anything. If I loved God and loved people like I am able or ought, I might feel much differently about God and people. Jesus asks us to do this because this is what it means to follow him. Jesus puts flesh and blood on this reality and it will cost him his life. Loving God will change me deeply in my habits and desires. Loving my neighbor might stretch me to be more compassionate and understanding. Sometimes I am. Other times I am not, in both relationships.
Prayer: Lord, help me to love. To love you and the people you place in my life)
(But seriously, have you met my neighbor?)
Application: Jesus' answer does, however, help answer the question for us about what we are supposed to prioritize. At it's basic level, Jesus said; "love God and love people." The commandments teach us what this looks like. Jesus compassion shows us who it looks like. The cross shows us the cost.
Love God, and love People. Sounds simple but in reality it is anything but. I get in the way of myself doing that. It is easy to say but it doesn't cost me anything. If I loved God and loved people like I am able or ought, I might feel much differently about God and people. Jesus asks us to do this because this is what it means to follow him. Jesus puts flesh and blood on this reality and it will cost him his life. Loving God will change me deeply in my habits and desires. Loving my neighbor might stretch me to be more compassionate and understanding. Sometimes I am. Other times I am not, in both relationships.
Prayer: Lord, help me to love. To love you and the people you place in my life)
(But seriously, have you met my neighbor?)
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