Matthew 22:34-40 “The Greatest Commandment”
The Bible is full of instructions and advice on right living. But Jesus gives us this incredible gift - he boils it down to a simple way of life. Love God and love others, with all of your being. If we do this, the rest falls into place. This passage refers back to the Shema (which you will get to explore in September), and is a reminder that this ultimate love is to pervade all of life. What will it mean for your daily choices and life as a family if love for God and (another side of this prism) love for others is the guiding force?
Read It
Matthew 22:34-40
34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Memorize It
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.... And love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37, 39)
Do It
All Ages: Make up motions for this verse together. This can be a fun family project, and a child who cannot yet speak can begin to join in the motions. An infant will be captivated by them, and eventually imitate them. Say this together daily - perhaps at breakfast or bedtime.
Ages 3 and up: Ask each night at supper or before bed: “How did you love God and love your neighbor today?” Take turns telling each other a way that this commandment guided your choices during the day. This may come out in being kind, helping someone else, making a friend, compromising, generosity…
Ages 3 and up: Ask each night at supper or before bed: “How did you love God and love your neighbor today?” Take turns telling each other a way that this commandment guided your choices during the day. This may come out in being kind, helping someone else, making a friend, compromising, generosity…
Sing It
There are several songs that use this scripture passage and make memorizing it even easier. Look them up on youtube and find your favorite!
Pray It
God, in your loving mercy you created us. Help us to love you fully, and to love all of those around us. Help us to make good choices that show your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
