The Greatest Commandments: Part 1

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31 NIV

Over the past couple of days, we saw that following Jesus is not about living by a set of rules, but about having a relationship with him. In the passage for today, we see the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus in his disregard for following the rules. Jesus knew exactly what they were doing, so He was prepared. He told them two commandments that are above all the other commandments: Love God and love your neighbor.

What is funny about these two commandments, or rules, is that they aren’t really rules. Both are forms of relationships. Jesus is saying what is most important is a relationship with God and a relationship with your neighbor. It all comes back to relationships and not rules!

So how are those two relationships doing in your life? How is your relationship with God? How is your relationship with people?

A relationship with God can be tough. It’s not like having a friendship with your good friend or a relative. You can’t just sit down across from Jesus at a table at Starbucks. Well… not exactly. You can certainly have a coffee at Starbucks and be with Jesus in that moment. In fact, any moment can be time spent with Jesus. That is the beauty of it! So what does a relationship with Jesus look like? Prayer, reading the Bible, and just sitting in silence and thinking about Jesus are all examples of having a relationship with Him.

As for loving others… let’s save that for tomorrow.

So, spend some time thinking about your relationship with God. What does is look like? How would you like it to improve?

Then, take a few minutes to pray to Jesus about your concerns and ask Him to draw you deeper into relationship with Him.