What is the greatest commandment?
This is the teacher of religious law (in another gospel referred to as a lawyer) who asked Jesus which is the greatest commandment. And Jesus replied (my paraphrase) love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. These verses record the man’s response and the reply of Jesus.
We often have a harsh opinion of the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the religious law. And those opinions are based on the fact that they frequently opposed Jesus and eventually were the ones who through a sham trial brought Him to the Romans for crucifixion. However, note that Jesus says this particular man is “not far from the Kingdom of God”. Another example is Nicodemus, who was part of the Sanhedrin (religious leadership council) and yet a faithful follower of Christ.
Paul was a former murderous Pharisee who the Lord used in such powerful ways that we still teach what He wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Here is the point. We cannot have disdain and write off any person from being reached by the Lord. Whether the person is embroiled in a lifestyle of gratuitous sin or clearly a false religious teacher, the Holy Spirit can change their hearts. Sinners and hypocrites, as we all used to be, are in need of a Savior and we are called to love them and show them the true Jesus.
Troy Stoneking is a Jesus follower helping others recover the joy of the Lord in their life. Information Technology leader with extensive experience in team building, training, coaching, sales, and customer service in Clarksville, Tennessee, USA.
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/troystoneking/
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