1. This morning we showed how Jesus obeyed the 1st and 2nd commandments. 2. This evening we are taking a detailed look at these verses with emphasis on our responsibilities.
Discussion:
I. MATTHEW 22:34-40
A. According to vs.34-35, the Pharisees were involved in this discussion. 1. We learn from vs.15 that these people were plotting against the Lord. 2. In vs.16-22 Jesus answered their question about paying tribute to Caesar. 3. In vs.23-33 Jesus answered the Sadducees' question about the resurrection. 4. Afterward, the Pharisees "were gathered together." 5. One of the Pharisees asked Jesus a question. a. He was "a lawyer" [an authority on the Law of Moses]. b. This man's purpose for asking his question was to "tempt" [test] Jesus. B. (vs.36) The question: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" 1. The Pharisees had a problem with exalting commandments they liked and overlooking others they did not like (Matthew 23:23). 2. It seems that this question was designed to: a. test the Lord's knowledge of the law b. entrap Jesus by getting Him to place special emphasis on a particular commandment so it could be used against Him. C. (vs.37-40) Jesus answered this question. 1. The Lord's answer: a. demonstrated His knowledge of Scripture as well as His wisdom b. "summed up" all the law and the prophets in 2 commandments. 2. (vs.37) Jesus began by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5. a. God is to be loved with "all the heart" [sincerely, truly, without pretense], "all the soul" [the feelings, affections, desires], and "all the mind" [the understanding]. b. To illustrate the importance of this commandment, it sums up all of our responsibilities toward God (Deuteronomy 5:7-15). c. The first commandment is to love God with all the heart, soul, and mind. 3. (vs.39) Jesus continued by quoting Leviticus 19:18. a. In addition to loving God, others are to be loved as self. b. Jesus explained what this involves in Matthew 7:12. c. To illustrate the importance of this commandment, it sums up all of our responsibilities toward our fellow man (Deuteronomy 5:16-21). d. The second commandment involves loving our neighbors as ourselves.
II. APPLICATION
A. We have seen that the Law of Moses taught the Israelites to love God and their neighbors. B. The New Testament teaches us to love God, as well. 1. We should certainly want to love God. a. God has demonstrated His love to us (1 John 4:9-10). b. (1 John 4:19) "We love Him, because He first loved us." 2. God wants us to show our love to Him (1 John 5:3). C. The New Testament also teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Romans 13:8-10).
Conclusion:
1. In addition to teaching us to love God, Jesus set the proper example Himself (John 14:31). 2. Jesus also wants us to love Him as He loved the Father (John 15:10).
