What did Jesus say was the greatest commandment?

In the vast tapestry of Jesus' teachings, one particular moment stands out as a cornerstone of Christian ethics and theology. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus' response was both profound and deceptively simple, encapsulating the essence of his message and providing a spiritual compass for his followers. Let's delve into this pivotal teaching and explore its implications for Christian life and thought.

The Biblical Account

The incident is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, and Luke 10:25-28. While there are slight variations in the accounts, the core message remains consistent. In Matthew's version, a Pharisee who was an expert in religious law approached Jesus with a question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus' response was immediate and clear:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV)

Unpacking Jesus' Answer

Jesus' answer is remarkable for several reasons:

1. Simplicity and Comprehensiveness: In a few short sentences, Jesus distills the entirety of God's law into two interconnected principles. This simplification makes the core of God's expectations accessible to all, while simultaneously encompassing the full scope of human relationships – with God and with fellow humans.
2. Prioritization: By identifying these as the "first" and "second" commandments, Jesus establishes a clear hierarchy. Love for God is foundational, followed closely by love for others.
3. Holistic Love: The command to love God involves all aspects of human existence – heart (emotions), soul (spirit), and mind (intellect). This holistic approach suggests that our relationship with God should permeate every facet of our being.
4. Interconnectedness: Jesus links love for God inextricably with love for others. One cannot truly claim to love God while disregarding their fellow human beings.
5. Reaffirmation of Scripture: Jesus doesn't invent new commandments but draws from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18), demonstrating continuity between his teaching and the Hebrew scriptures.

The First Commandment: Love God

Loving God "with all your heart, soul, and mind" is a call to total devotion. It's not merely about religious observance or intellectual assent to certain beliefs. Instead, it demands a wholehearted commitment that affects every aspect of one's life:

• Heart: This speaks to our emotions, passions, and will. It's about cultivating a deep affection for God and aligning our desires with His.
• Soul: Often understood as our innermost being or life force, loving God with our soul suggests a spiritual connection that goes beyond surface-level interactions.
• Mind: This encompasses our thoughts, reasoning, and decision-making processes. It implies studying God's word, reflecting on His nature, and applying godly wisdom in our lives.

The Second Commandment: Love Your Neighbor

The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" is equally profound:

• Expanded Definition of Neighbor: In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37), Jesus expands the concept of "neighbor" beyond one's immediate community to include all of humanity, even those considered enemies.
• Self-Love as a Standard: The commandment assumes a basic level of self-love or self-care as a benchmark for how we should treat others. It challenges us to extend the same consideration, care, and respect to others that we naturally give ourselves.
• Active Love: This love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through actions. It involves treating others with kindness, compassion, and justice.

Implications for Christian Life

Understanding these commandments as the greatest has several implications for Christian living:

1. Prioritization: These commandments should be the primary focus of a Christian's spiritual life, taking precedence over other religious practices or doctrinal disputes.
2. Balanced Spirituality: True spirituality involves both a vertical dimension (love for God) and a horizontal dimension (love for others). Neither can be neglected without compromising the whole.
3. Ethical Framework: These commandments provide a foundational ethical framework for decision-making. When faced with moral dilemmas, Christians can ask, "What action best demonstrates love for God and love for my neighbor?"
4. Ecumenical Potential: The simplicity and universality of these commandments offer common ground for different Christian denominations and even for interfaith dialogue.
5. Social Justice: The command to love one's neighbor has significant implications for social justice, challenging Christians to actively work towards the well-being of all people, especially the marginalized and oppressed.
6. Personal Transformation: Living out these commandments requires ongoing personal transformation, as we continually learn to love more deeply and expansively.

Challenges in Application

While these commandments are simple to state, they are challenging to live out fully:

• Loving God completely can be difficult in a world full of distractions and competing allegiances.
• Defining and practicing love for others isn't always straightforward, especially when it comes to loving those who are different from us or those who have harmed us.
• Balancing love for God and love for others can sometimes create tension, particularly when religious convictions seem to conflict with societal norms or expectations.

Conclusion

Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment provides a profound yet accessible summary of the Christian life. By emphasizing love for God and neighbor, Jesus offers a spiritual and ethical north star that has guided believers for centuries. These twin commandments challenge us to grow in our relationship with God while simultaneously extending ourselves in love and service to others.

As we strive to embody these teachings, we find that they are not just rules to be followed, but a pathway to a richer, more meaningful existence. They call us to a life of worship, compassion, and purpose – a life that reflects the very character of God Himself. In a world often marked by division and self-interest, Jesus' words continue to offer a revolutionary alternative: a way of living centered on love, both divine and human.