Reading: Matthew 22:34-40

Matthew 22:40 – “The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

The Pharisees come to Jesus with a trapping question. One of them, “an expert in religious law,” steps forward. The Pharisees, a legalistic and exclusive religious group, have classified the Law. In this process, some laws of God were deemed more important than others. This group had become so focused on keeping the letter of the law, they neglected the call for Israel to be a blessing to the world. A representative from this group asks Jesus what the most important command is.

Jesus’ response focuses in on the command to love. This action, at its essence, is who God is. It is what Jesus sought to be in the world. Quoting from Deuteronomy and Leviticus, Jesus does identify the two most important commandments, tying them together. One must love God with all that they are and one must love neighbor at least as much as you love yourself. Just as it was with Jesus, these commands define our mission on earth. That is why Jesus concludes with, “The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

We live in a world where it often feels like love is in short supply. There is oppression and war, injustice and broken systems all around. People are lonely and are living outside of community. Because of these things, many question if they are even worthy of love. Here is where faith can meet the harsh realities of this world. God’s will is to build blessed community, to bring justice and wholeness, to love all people so that all will know that they are the beloved of God. Love has the power to change lives and the world. Because it is in short supply, there is great demand. May we be people who love God with all that we are as we strive to love all of our neighbors more than ourselves.

Prayer: Lord God, oh to be love in the world. We know what it feels like to be loved unconditionally by you. Use us, then, to help others know this feeling. Use us to meet the great demand for love. Amen.