Jesus Gives Us the Greatest Commandment

The Twenty-second Sunday of Pentecost

Matthew 22: 34 - 36

Mark 12: 28 - 34

Once again, the Pharisees tried to test Jesus' knowledge of the Old Testament and the Ten Commandments. Perhaps Jesus was quoting Rabbi Hillel when he answered this question - Hillel had said something quite similar 50 years earlier.

But we do know that Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 when he answered the Pharisees.

And Jesus gave us a clear commandment as Christians to love God with our entire minds - Christians don't turn off their brains when they approach God.

1. What is the first and greatest commandment?

[The first and greatest commandment is You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.]

2. What is the second commandment?

[The second commandment is Love your neighbor as yourself.]

3. Are all Ten Commandments contained in these two commandments?

[Yes, they are, and this is a great opportunity for an in-depth class discussion.]

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