We come to the third
question directed to Jesus in this final day (Tuesday) of His public ministry. The question comes from a Scribe (or lawyer)
who had heard Jesus’ answer to the Sadducees.
Being a Scribe (those whose tasks revolved around the passing on of the Scriptures
by their faithful copying) linked him to the conservative Pharisees whose
mission was to interpret the Law (and enforce it). Jesus’ conversation after answering the
question might indicate there is some genuineness on the part of this man, But Matthew also indicates he came to Jesus to
test Him (Mt. 22:35).
The question is
simple: what is the greatest commandment?
Mark uses the term first (Grk.
protos, the foremost or foundational
commandment) in v28,29,30. Matthew uses
the term great (Grk. megas, great in weight, space, reach or
importance). There is no conflict. In Jesus’ answer according to Matthew He says
that Deut. 6:5 is both the first and
great commandment (Mt. 22:38). The
two terms are synonymous in this setting but also complimentary. Either of the terms tells us this command is
the foundation; used together tells us with greater emphasis. There is no law that is outside the expanse
of this commandment.
Note that Jesus’ first
answer quotes both Deut. 6:4-5. Verse
four is the shema (from the Hebrew
term for hear): Shama Yisrael Yahweh Elohim Echad
Yahweh; Hear O Israel, the LORD
our God the LORD is One. These word
were on the lips of every Jew every day.
Moses spoke these words at the beginning of Deuteronomy before he laid
out the Law for Israel as they prepared to enter the land. It tells us something important: that God
always intended Israel to keep the law out of a whole-hearted love for
Him. Relationship
was always fundamental to the Mosaic Covenant.
There are frequent references in the law to God's love for Israel (cf.
Deut. 4:37; 7:13; 10:15,18; 23:5). When
the Apostle John says we love God because He first loved us (1
John 4:19) he is stating a truth from before the cross of Christ as well as
afterwards.
The fundamental nature
of this command to love God with the whole self is seen frequently throughout
Deuteronomy. Obedience to God was always
to be the fruit of a love-relationship between God and Israel. The very nature of God was that He would be
merciful to those who loved Him and kept His commandments (Ex. 20:6; Dt. 5:10;
7:9). Note the richness of Deut. 10:12
where Israel is required not simply to obey God but to fear Him, walk in His
ways, love Him and serve Him with all their heart and soul. Israel’s relationship with God was one of
all-consuming love: they would know that God loved them by His mercy and He
would know their love in return by their obedience.
Jesus answer to the
Scribe’s question requires us to devote considerable time and attention to it;
thus we will continue in tomorrow’s study.
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