The Priority Commandment (Mark 12:28-34)
Gary McManus, 09/19/2021Part of the God's Love; Beyond Belief series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
September 19, 2021 Mark 12:28-34 The Priority Commandment
The teacher’s question was often discussed among
the rabbis and with their students/disciples.
This teacher of the law is looking forward to hearing
how Jesus answers this common question.
"Greatest commandment" = (Greek) first of many,
therefore= the greatest
Jesus is being asked to prioritize the commandments.
(All the commandments are good.)
Jesus answered: Deuteronomy 6:4 and 5; OUR GOD.
The relationship of God and God's people--> LOVE.
These three words cover the totality of a person.
Utilize one’s WHOLE self in loving God.
Same word: agape-love God; agape-love neighbor.
Jesus taught that relationships were important.
With whom are we to have loving relationships?
Answer: God (Jesus) AND, your neighbors. . .
How, do we know that is what Jesus wanted?
--"as we forgive our debtors"
--the commandment to love
--even reconciling is more important than worship
(Matthew 5:23-25)
--pray for your adversary (Luke 6:28)
--make peace with your accuser (Luke 12:58)
Speaking the truth to others isn’t good enough.
Why? “Speak the truth in love.” Ephesians 4:15
How does a Christian do that?
Use other New Testament words:
words like kind, kindness, compassionate, caring,
sympathetic, empathetic, with understanding.
Sometimes the truth is HARD. . .HARD TO ACCEPT.
Who is in control? (See 1 Corinthians 6:19,
1 Corinthians 7:4)
THERE IS MORE TO LOVE THAN NOT RETURNING evil for evil.
(Romans 12:17) See 1 Peter 3:9; BLESS!
Love your neighbors. (Luke 10:25-37)
Your Pastor has not heard many calls for prayer
from other Pastors.
Love is NOT easy. Forgive a $100 debt and you're out $100. Forgiveness just cost you $100.
Our forgiveness cost our Heavenly Father His son.
And WHY did God DO THAT?
Because God so loved the world. (John 3:16)
We are empowered to forgive through this same
love that God has for us. See John 13:34
". . . as Jesus has loved you."
Isaiah 53:5 describes it.
Philippians 2:4; "the interests of others. . ."
SUBMIT! (Ephesians 5:21)
. . .the words of the Apostle for the Lord’s followers.
Loving the neighbor is not qualified. . .there are no shortcuts,
there is no minimum love required.
Love your neighbor…all the neighbors. . .neighbors near and far. It is part of the greatest commandment. Jesus wants loving relationships.
The love we demonstrate to others is an extension of
of God's love on earth. Amen
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