The Greatest Commandment 4 April 2007

“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31

Whilst in the temple courts Jesus spent time teaching and explaining, and also answering trick questions; showing incredible wisdom and insight in His answers. Jesus answer to the question posed in today’s passage is probably well known. In a world that seems ever more complicated Jesus has answered the teacher of the law and at the same time ‘kept it simple’. The greatest commandment; love God with everything that you are, and then love your neighbour as Jesus would.

As often the case with Jesus, simple is not easy!

In fact it’s a huge challenge, and as is often the case we could all do better than we do. But Jesus loves us. He is patient and He is kind. Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit is slowly changing us, moulding our hearts; and he rejoices in each little step that we take.

As we reflect today, imagine Jesus. Keep that image in mind as the next task comes along, and in doing so you show your love for him just a little bit more. Make a date in the diary for later this afternoon, ‘time with Jesus’. The more that we bring Jesus to mind, the more He will be in the centre of our lives and the easier it will be to show the love that Jesus brings to others.

Amen