The Greatest Command
This week I have been reading Mark. This is the second book of the New Testament and was the first eyewitness account of the life of Jesus. In chapter 12, Jesus was in Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, where he was asked ‘what was the greatest of God’s commandants. He replied...
“‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.’ ”
Jesus began by quoting ‘The Shema’, which was an ancient Jewish confession of faith (which is still used today). Then he added a section from Leviticus 19:18 about loving your neighbour. This was a natural and logical development of love for God. For centuries, this command has been foundational for Christians and remains just as relevant today. How are you doing on loving God, loving yourself and loving others...and what does that look like for you?
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader