34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:34-40 KJV)
The Great Commandment
Christ had a discourse with a Pharisee-lawyer about the great commandment of the law. The Pharisees, having heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, gathered together (Mt 22:34). Instead of appreciating His defense of the resurrection, they sought to test Him, prioritizing their traditions over truth. Their envy was evident as they were displeased at Christ’s honor rather than being pleased that the Sadducees were silenced (Php 1:18).
A lawyer, knowledgeable in the law of Moses, asked Jesus a question, not to ensnare Him, but to engage in discussion and satisfy curiosity (Mark 12:34). He inquired, “Master, which is the greatest commandment of the law?” (Mt 22:36). Though all of God’s laws are significant (Ho 8:12), some are foundational. Jesus had previously spoken of the weightier matters of the law (Mt 23:23). The question aimed to test His judgment, as opinions varied—some prioritized circumcision, others the Sabbath, or sacrifices. The intent was to see if He would go against popular opinion or appear to diminish other laws. However, it was already accepted among the lawyers that love for God and neighbor summarized the law (Luke 10:27-28).
Jesus answered by highlighting the commandments that encompass all others. The greatest is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Mt 22:37). Love is the essence of obedience (Ro 13:10), beginning in the affections and leading all religious duties. Since God is infinitely good, He must be loved supremely. We must love Him as our Creator, Owner, and Ruler, acknowledging Him as our God. This love must be sincere, intense, singular, and all-encompassing (Ps 103:1). Such devotion is foundational, as obedience stems from love.
The second great commandment is, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Mt 22:39). It is similar to the first because it flows from it; love for God naturally leads to love for others (1Jo 4:20). This assumes a proper self-love, which seeks our true well-being in body and soul. We must extend the same care and concern to our neighbors, wishing and doing good for them as opportunities arise. In some cases, self-denial is required for their benefit, as seen in Christ’s example of sacrificial love (1Jo 3:16).
Jesus emphasized the weight of these commandments: “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Mt 22:40). They encapsulate the essence of all divine precepts, written in men’s hearts, revived by Moses, and affirmed by the prophets. Without love, religious duties collapse into nothingness. Even rituals and spiritual gifts must yield to love, the root of all other duties and the heart of Scripture (Ro 13:10; 1Ti 1:5). Love is the foundation upon which the New Jerusalem will eternally stand (Isa 22:24). Therefore, our hearts should be molded by these commands, our zeal directed toward them rather than trivial disputes. Let all things bow to the supreme law of love.