Matthew - Day 28: What It Means To Follow Jesus

Jesus is asked an interesting question by an expert in the law. Jesus had been peppered by questions from other religious people. This man saw how Jesus had answered and decided to ask Jesus his question. He wanted to know which commandment was the greatest. This was a good question since the Jews had developed 613 commands, 365 of them negative and 248 of them were positive commands. There had been attempts to classify the commands into categories such as the weightier commands and the lighter commands. As always there were different opinions on which ones where weightier and which were light- er. (There is nothing new under the sun! ). This man wanted to know which command would be the most important to resolve to keep in his life! Great question!! Jesus answered in a fashion that should have been familiar to the Jews. He answered by quoting the “Shema” found in Deuteronomy 6:4,5. The “Shema” would have been quoted by the Jew both in the morning and the evening of everyday! Jesus answers this man by summarizing the law as loving God and loving others.

Read Matthew 22

Q: Why is loving God with all your heart, soul and mind the greatest commandment?

Q: Have you resolved to give God the exclusive devotion of your heart? If not, what else is taking that devotion?

Q: Jesus said in John 14, “If you love me, you will obey my commands.” I should be delighted to obey the God I love. Loving God is tied with obedience. How are you obeying God?

Q: Jesus is saying that a Great Commandment commitment will lead to a second commandment lifestyle. How are you doing at loving others more and more?

For Further Study: Mark 12:28-34, 1 John 5:3, John 14:15

For more check out The Bible Recap on Matthew 22/Mark 12