Daily Word Of God
Matthew 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to put him to the test, one of them put a further question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?’
Jesus said to him, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets too.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- The Pharisees who pride themselves with the knowledge of their law and ritual practices, wanted to test Jesus whether He understood the law just as they did.
- Jesus surprised them with a profound simplicity and mastery of the law of God and its purpose – that the love of God comes first and the love of neighbour is firmly rooted in the love of God.
- It is God who loves us first. Our love for Him is a response to His generous mercy and grace towards us. Faith in God and in His promises strengthens our love for Him. Pray for an increase in your faith, hope and love for Him and for a generous love for others especially the poor.