31 December 2018 – Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
Scripture
37 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.
Reflection
Jesus is not original when he says that “love of neighbor” is the greatest commandment (Leviticus 19:18) It is his combination of the commandment to “love God” put together with the commandment to love one’s neighbor that opens your eyes. Love will be the hallmark of Christianity and the greatest of all the virtues. Once, in response to this teaching, someone asked Jesus, “Who then is my neighbor”. Jesus answered by telling a great story (Luke 10:24-37) and finishing with a question of his own. “Will you be a (loving) neighbor? (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about Jesus and people?
- Do you think people can love each other out of their own capacity?
- If yes, why do you think Jesus is commanding such a question?
- If no, in what way do you need God’s help to love your neighbour as yourself?
- Who can you share this passage with?
Prayer
Pray for revelation: ask God to show you something of His character, presence or beauty where you are now.