“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” Matthew 22:36 ESV
As we wade deep into election season 2012, we are bombarded with the platforms of the various candidates, and how their platform is different than the other person’s platform. In this verse the person essentially is asking Jesus, what is your platform as a rabbi? Jesus what is the most important thing for you as a rabbi? Where is your passion at, what issue or law are you most concerned with? Jesus’ reply was this:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus’ platform is simple. Love God, love others. Sounds a bit simpler than what many are taught throughout religious institutions. We are taught about laws, rules, and regulations. We are told about special clothes to wear (or not to wear), things to say, and styles of music that are good and bad just to name a few. When Jesus is put on the spot and asked to identify what is most central to His work and ministry, He keeps it simple, love God, and love others. Let your life be guided less by rules and patterns, but instead by Jesus calling, love God and love others. As simple as it may sound, these two things transform everything you do, if we really take them to heart. It asks the question does everything I do or say reflect my love of God or love of others? This election season, you know well what Jesus stands for, what he considers most important: love God and loving others.
Pastor Bill
Discussion Questions
- What is your platform in life? What is most important to you?
- How do your priorities guide your life?
- How do you believe your priorities compare to God’s for your life?