Daily Devotion for December 12, 2005

Which is the Greatest?

 

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"  Matthew 22:34-46

 

There is wonderful drama built up in the gospels when someone tries to trap Jesus in his words, yet we, the readers, know that the proud will be humbled. In this case, a lawyer tries to test Jesus by asking him what he thinks is the most important law. At first, it may seem a very weak attempt at trapping Jesus. Why not ask him his favorite color? Or what’s the best way to prepare bread? Couldn’t this just be seen as setting someone up for an objective answer?

 

But at this time Jesus was inching his way into the spiritual authorities’ places, and this lawyer thought he might weed him out. Let’s test Jesus; let’s show him that with all our laws and countless addendums, it’s impossible to pick the most important. And if he tries, I’ll have five more to counter when he answers, “Thou shalt not murder” or “Thou shalt not” something or other. I can’t wait for it!

 

Instead of answering as the lawyer expected, Jesus says: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” And then Jesus adds his own addendum to this point: “And the second is like unto it, love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lev. 18:18) Jesus shocks him by putting together two laws that the Jews had never put together before!  One is like the other!

 

Silence followed. And a humbled lawyer pondered the law anew.

 

May we hear the Lord’s words in that same humbled spirit.

 

Prayer
To love you Father God is to love others with your love, and to do it with our whole being.  Help me do that consistently with others.  Amen

 

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