November 3 – Matthew 22 & Mark 12: It’s All About Love
Today’s Tasting: Matthew 22 & Mark 12
Both Matthew and Luke continue in their respective chapters with more of Jesus’ teachings and more parables. We once again hear the story of the man who created the great banquet where those who were invited were too busy to attend. {if you missed that post, you can find it here} The religious leaders of the time are continuously trying to trick Jesus into saying something for which he can be arrested. As a result, we learn about the parable of giving Caesar what is Caesar’s (Matthew 22:15-22 & Mark 12:13-17) and we learn that Jesus is the son of God, not the son of David as was believed at the time. (Mark 12:35-40 & Matthew 22:41-46). We also learn one of the most important lessons of the Bible. The religious leaders asked Jesus which of the commandments was most important, and He replied “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love our neighbor as yourself’”.
Today’s Nourishment:
Prior to Jesus’ teachings, the laws and commandments were pretty complicated. I love how he summed them up in two simple statements – Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind…and Love your neighbor as yourself. This sound simple enough…right?
It is simple; however, it is not always easy. We all love God…but what does it mean to love him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind? I believe it means that we have to put God first in all things. In our marriages, in our relationships, in our jobs, in everything. But how do we go about putting God first….
We can live our lives in such a way as to bring glory and honor to God.
We can make time to spend with just Him on a daily basis.
We can ask for His opinion and guidance before we make a decision…not just afterward when we need His blessing or need Him to fix something.
We exhibit trust in Him with all things, knowing He will provide for our every need.
These are just a few things to get you thinking and conversing with God.
Now what about loving our neighbor? This too is at times easier said than done. It can be hard to love people at times…especially those with whom we don’t agree. Keep in mind, the commandment is not to agree with your neighbor…it is to love your neighbor. So how do we do this? Well, here are some things to pray about…
You can disagree and still love…provided you respect each other’s right to disagree.
There may be times when you need to pray for your neighbor precisely because they are on a dangerous journey.
There may also be times when you need to pray for yourself and ask God to help you find the heart to love your neighbor with because you have lost your compassion or forgiveness.
Again, these are just a few points to get you thinking.
As you read this post, and as we continue through the New Testament, I would like to encourage you to find at least a little time to dedicate to God so you can discover ways to live Jesus’ command.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Matthew 23 & Luke 20-21
Hugs & Blessings,
Monica
Thanks Monica, these are some very practical ways to put love into action. Love God and love others sounds simple, but it is a daily adventure, now made possible because of Christ in us.