1 00:00:00,490 --> 00:00:03,290 Speaker 1: He said to him, You shall love the Lord your 2 00:00:03,330 --> 00:00:05,910 Speaker 1: God with all your heart and with all your soul 3 00:00:06,370 --> 00:00:12,869 Speaker 1: and with all your mind. Matthew 22, 37 Heavenly Father, 4 00:00:14,050 --> 00:00:18,030 Speaker 1: we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for 5 00:00:18,050 --> 00:00:22,689 Speaker 1: your unending love and grace. Thank you for the countless 6 00:00:22,770 --> 00:00:27,010 Speaker 1: blessings you bestow upon us daily, for your presence in 7 00:00:27,050 --> 00:00:33,360 Speaker 1: our lives, and for the gift of salvation. through Jesus Christ. Lord, 8 00:00:33,420 --> 00:00:37,190 Speaker 1: we acknowledge our deep need for you in every aspect 9 00:00:37,200 --> 00:00:42,790 Speaker 1: of our lives. Without you, we are lost and directionless. 10 00:00:43,810 --> 00:00:48,229 Speaker 1: Teach us to love you with all our heart, soul, 11 00:00:48,790 --> 00:00:53,970 Speaker 1: and mind as you've commanded. Transform our hearts to fully 12 00:00:54,050 --> 00:00:57,830 Speaker 1: embrace your love and to reflect it in our thoughts 13 00:00:58,170 --> 00:01:03,230 Speaker 1: and actions. Grant us the strength and determination to live 14 00:01:03,350 --> 00:01:07,250 Speaker 1: out this commandment each day. Help us to put you 15 00:01:07,310 --> 00:01:11,280 Speaker 1: first in all we do, seeking your will above our 16 00:01:11,380 --> 00:01:16,440 Speaker 1: own desires. Empower us to be beacons of your love, 17 00:01:17,540 --> 00:01:21,620 Speaker 1: spreading your light and grace to all those around us. 18 00:01:22,500 --> 00:01:24,140 Speaker 1: In Jesus' name we pray. 19 00:01:24,970 --> 00:01:25,250 Speaker 2: Amen. 20 00:01:27,550 --> 00:01:30,450 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me. You're listening to the 21 00:01:30,510 --> 00:01:36,869 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast, stories inspired by the gospel to entertain, enlighten, 22 00:01:37,350 --> 00:01:41,950 Speaker 1: and encourage. Be sure to follow this podcast on whatever 23 00:01:42,020 --> 00:01:47,480 Speaker 1: platform you're listening to. The disciples were seated along the 24 00:01:47,520 --> 00:01:52,280 Speaker 1: banks of the Brook Kidron. They mindlessly skipped rocks down 25 00:01:52,320 --> 00:01:56,780 Speaker 1: the trickling stream. That morning, Jesus had two separate encounters 26 00:01:56,840 --> 00:02:01,080 Speaker 1: with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Both groups had given their 27 00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:05,200 Speaker 1: best attempt at trapping Jesus in his words, but to 28 00:02:05,250 --> 00:02:09,130 Speaker 1: no surprise to the disciples, Jesus had held his ground 29 00:02:09,930 --> 00:02:13,330 Speaker 1: and walked away victorious. In the afternoon shade of the 30 00:02:13,389 --> 00:02:16,790 Speaker 1: trees that lined the valley, they were able to let 31 00:02:16,830 --> 00:02:21,269 Speaker 1: their minds and bodies rest. They always looked forward to 32 00:02:21,290 --> 00:02:24,540 Speaker 1: moments of reprieve from the crowds and religious leaders. 33 00:02:25,240 --> 00:02:28,480 Speaker 3: I tell you, Nathaniel, I don't know how he does it. 34 00:02:29,070 --> 00:02:31,209 Speaker 3: First he puts the Pharisees in their place over a 35 00:02:31,250 --> 00:02:34,790 Speaker 3: matter of taxes, and then, without skipping a beat, he 36 00:02:35,010 --> 00:02:38,850 Speaker 3: flawlessly answers the Sadducees' questions on marriage and the resurrection, 37 00:02:39,660 --> 00:02:41,480 Speaker 3: when they don't even believe. 38 00:02:41,060 --> 00:02:41,880 Speaker 4: In the resurrection. 39 00:02:42,440 --> 00:02:45,580 Speaker 5: Yes, Matthew, it really is a wonder how he keeps 40 00:02:45,639 --> 00:02:50,040 Speaker 5: such a commanding knowledge of Scripture. And no, that's not 41 00:02:50,100 --> 00:02:51,560 Speaker 5: a knock against Nazareth. 42 00:02:52,180 --> 00:02:56,130 Speaker 1: Nathaniel glanced at James and John. who were just about 43 00:02:56,230 --> 00:02:59,850 Speaker 1: to jab at Nathaniel's former thoughts of Jesus' hometown. 44 00:03:00,330 --> 00:03:03,750 Speaker 5: All I'm saying is that he grew up as a carpenter, 45 00:03:04,210 --> 00:03:07,790 Speaker 5: yet he teaches better than any rabbi I've ever heard. 46 00:03:08,250 --> 00:03:11,970 Speaker 6: Not to mention Jesus teaches differently than any rabbi we've 47 00:03:12,090 --> 00:03:12,670 Speaker 6: ever heard. 48 00:03:13,169 --> 00:03:15,790 Speaker 1: Andrew glanced down at the rock he had just plucked 49 00:03:15,850 --> 00:03:20,580 Speaker 1: from the water. The stone was smooth and flat, slowly 50 00:03:20,720 --> 00:03:24,119 Speaker 1: shaped by the steady but constant beat of the brook. 51 00:03:24,710 --> 00:03:28,310 Speaker 1: He cast it out and watched it skid across the 52 00:03:28,350 --> 00:03:28,919 Speaker 1: murky water. 53 00:03:29,320 --> 00:03:33,080 Speaker 6: I mean, I definitely never expected life to look the 54 00:03:33,120 --> 00:03:36,180 Speaker 6: way it is. I always assumed Peter and I would 55 00:03:36,260 --> 00:03:39,580 Speaker 6: die out at sea as fishermen, and sooner rather than 56 00:03:39,620 --> 00:03:41,760 Speaker 6: later with how bad our catches are becoming. 57 00:03:42,120 --> 00:03:47,860 Speaker 1: Peter laughed at his brother. He nodded his head in agreement. He, 58 00:03:47,940 --> 00:03:51,460 Speaker 1: of all the disciples, never imagined being at this point 59 00:03:51,540 --> 00:03:55,560 Speaker 1: in life. When he first met Jesus... He was ready 60 00:03:55,600 --> 00:03:58,650 Speaker 1: to give up. Now he wasn't even going by the 61 00:03:58,710 --> 00:04:03,130 Speaker 1: same name he had just a few years earlier. He 62 00:04:03,190 --> 00:04:07,690 Speaker 1: felt like an altogether new person in more ways than one. 63 00:04:08,590 --> 00:04:13,630 Speaker 1: The love Jesus had shown him had changed his heart forever. 64 00:04:16,910 --> 00:04:20,190 Speaker 7: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 65 00:04:20,670 --> 00:04:24,230 Speaker 7: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 66 00:04:24,250 --> 00:04:29,110 Speaker 7: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 67 00:04:29,290 --> 00:04:35,750 Speaker 7: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. 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These 77 00:05:20,550 --> 00:05:22,750 Speaker 8: are the pillars that hold the body of Christ up. 78 00:05:23,470 --> 00:05:27,700 Speaker 8: This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today, 79 00:05:27,820 --> 00:05:31,239 Speaker 8: we continue through our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status 80 00:05:31,279 --> 00:05:34,260 Speaker 8: quo and showing us a new way to live. This 81 00:05:34,320 --> 00:05:38,250 Speaker 8: series showcases Jesus' teachings and passion, and we'll learn about 82 00:05:38,310 --> 00:05:41,610 Speaker 8: God's heart for people and His kingdom. Today, we're diving 83 00:05:41,650 --> 00:05:44,370 Speaker 8: into one of the most profound and beautiful teachings of 84 00:05:44,450 --> 00:05:50,450 Speaker 8: Jesus found in Matthew 22, verses 34-40. This passage captures 85 00:05:50,510 --> 00:05:52,869 Speaker 8: the essence of what it means to live a life 86 00:05:52,930 --> 00:05:56,050 Speaker 8: that truly honors God. And the beauty of it is 87 00:05:56,070 --> 00:05:59,150 Speaker 8: that it all boils down to three simple yet deeply 88 00:05:59,250 --> 00:06:04,320 Speaker 8: challenging loves. Love God, love one another, and love on mission. 89 00:06:06,820 --> 00:06:10,040 Speaker 1: In the heart of Jerusalem, a group of Pharisees were 90 00:06:10,080 --> 00:06:14,180 Speaker 1: gathering together in one of their homes. The house smelled 91 00:06:14,240 --> 00:06:18,400 Speaker 1: of burning incense, tapestries from different parts of the world. 92 00:06:18,880 --> 00:06:22,720 Speaker 1: were neatly placed on the walls around the house. The 93 00:06:22,760 --> 00:06:27,080 Speaker 1: men were pacing around the room, engrossed in a deep 94 00:06:27,200 --> 00:06:31,680 Speaker 1: conversation concerning Jesus and the work he was doing. 95 00:06:32,400 --> 00:06:36,779 Speaker 2: Well, I can't say I'm not surprised he bested the Sadducees. 96 00:06:37,480 --> 00:06:42,350 Speaker 2: They've been lacking as of late. They actually thought they 97 00:06:42,370 --> 00:06:45,570 Speaker 2: could trap Jesus and prove their crazy notion that there 98 00:06:45,650 --> 00:06:46,690 Speaker 2: is no resurrection. 99 00:06:46,710 --> 00:06:47,710 Speaker 5: Yes, but. 100 00:06:49,160 --> 00:06:53,180 Speaker 9: That's not our concern. Our real concern is that he 101 00:06:53,279 --> 00:06:57,580 Speaker 9: bested the Sadducees and us on the same day. 102 00:06:57,600 --> 00:07:03,540 Speaker 1: A third Pharisee confidently broke into the conversations. Benjamin had 103 00:07:03,640 --> 00:07:07,830 Speaker 1: come from a long line of Pharisees and couldn't stand 104 00:07:07,890 --> 00:07:11,810 Speaker 1: the thought of a singular man being the reason for 105 00:07:11,890 --> 00:07:15,790 Speaker 1: their biggest problems. He had a plan to end it. 106 00:07:16,410 --> 00:07:20,370 Speaker 9: You both are missing the point. This is only a 107 00:07:20,430 --> 00:07:25,230 Speaker 9: problem if we let it remain one. I, for one, 108 00:07:25,290 --> 00:07:29,690 Speaker 9: will not idly stand by as a blasphemer and false 109 00:07:29,790 --> 00:07:34,130 Speaker 9: teacher parades around Israel making a mockery of everything we 110 00:07:34,250 --> 00:07:38,760 Speaker 9: stand for. For generations we've protected the name of Adonai 111 00:07:39,120 --> 00:07:43,100 Speaker 9: and brought honor to him. My father and his forefathers 112 00:07:43,500 --> 00:07:46,540 Speaker 9: were some of the greatest Pharisees in the Lion's history. 113 00:07:47,550 --> 00:07:50,950 Speaker 9: and I will not see the day that I falter 114 00:07:50,990 --> 00:07:53,090 Speaker 9: in this most noble of callings. 115 00:07:53,610 --> 00:07:57,660 Speaker 1: The Pharisee made articulate hand gestures as he stormed around 116 00:07:57,700 --> 00:08:02,220 Speaker 1: the room. His monologue seemed to be captivating his audience, 117 00:08:03,040 --> 00:08:04,420 Speaker 1: so he carried on. 118 00:08:04,860 --> 00:08:08,030 Speaker 9: He claims to be a teacher of the law, but 119 00:08:08,110 --> 00:08:12,810 Speaker 9: on whose authority? His credibility is thin, at best insidious. 120 00:08:13,410 --> 00:08:16,980 Speaker 9: And these parables are always talking in riddles. 121 00:08:17,600 --> 00:08:17,950 Speaker 10: Why? 122 00:08:18,500 --> 00:08:22,420 Speaker 9: Because he doesn't want anyone to realize he's a fraud. 123 00:08:23,340 --> 00:08:26,460 Speaker 9: But if he wants to be seen as a harbinger 124 00:08:26,500 --> 00:08:30,500 Speaker 9: of truth, let's give him the opportunity. 125 00:08:31,350 --> 00:08:34,450 Speaker 1: His finger wrapped lightly on the walking stick in his hand. 126 00:08:35,350 --> 00:08:37,450 Speaker 1: He wrapped the end of it on the ground as 127 00:08:37,530 --> 00:08:42,030 Speaker 1: if in frustration. All a show. to capture the ears 128 00:08:42,370 --> 00:08:43,329 Speaker 1: of the other Pharisees. 129 00:08:44,170 --> 00:08:49,550 Speaker 9: You see, I have studied the law with exceptional scrutiny. 130 00:08:50,440 --> 00:08:53,940 Speaker 9: There is no commandment I do not have memorized, and 131 00:08:54,020 --> 00:08:58,900 Speaker 9: no edict, rule, or mitzvah I cannot recite. If Jesus 132 00:08:58,940 --> 00:09:02,100 Speaker 9: of Nazareth believes he knows the law better than us, 133 00:09:03,020 --> 00:09:05,880 Speaker 9: let him prove it. I was there when he answered 134 00:09:05,900 --> 00:09:12,230 Speaker 9: the Sadducees. He will undoubtedly be tired after this morning's questioning. 135 00:09:12,929 --> 00:09:15,709 Speaker 9: Maybe the pressure from another visit will play in our favor. 136 00:09:16,390 --> 00:09:19,040 Speaker 9: We shall find him and put him to the ultimate 137 00:09:19,080 --> 00:09:25,880 Speaker 9: test regarding the law. If he can't produce an adequate answer, 138 00:09:26,640 --> 00:09:29,970 Speaker 9: we'll make our move to deface him in the public's eyes. 139 00:09:30,610 --> 00:09:32,570 Speaker 1: The Pharisee looked to his compatriots. 140 00:09:33,170 --> 00:09:37,070 Speaker 9: The ministry of Jesus will come to an end. 141 00:09:40,490 --> 00:09:43,820 Speaker 1: Jesus made his way down the Mount of Olives after 142 00:09:43,880 --> 00:09:49,040 Speaker 1: spending the afternoon in prayer. His face was turned toward Jerusalem. 143 00:09:49,940 --> 00:09:53,490 Speaker 1: He beheld the city walls off in the distance, the 144 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:58,730 Speaker 1: temple's point visible against the blue skyline. Days before, he 145 00:09:58,770 --> 00:10:02,270 Speaker 1: had been welcomed into the city as a king, but 146 00:10:02,309 --> 00:10:05,860 Speaker 1: he knew the days ahead would be long and arduous. 147 00:10:06,929 --> 00:10:10,979 Speaker 1: For that reason, he dedicated as much time to being 148 00:10:11,059 --> 00:10:15,000 Speaker 1: with the father as he could. Descending from the mountain, 149 00:10:15,760 --> 00:10:19,440 Speaker 1: Jesus spotted the disciples traipsing along the banks of the 150 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:24,320 Speaker 1: brook Kidron, headed toward Jerusalem. Jesus quickened his pace to 151 00:10:24,360 --> 00:10:27,450 Speaker 1: catch up with them. He reached them just as the 152 00:10:27,500 --> 00:10:31,470 Speaker 1: disciples were entering the city gates. They were glad to 153 00:10:31,510 --> 00:10:35,470 Speaker 1: see him well, and seemingly unfazed by his run-ins with 154 00:10:35,490 --> 00:10:36,930 Speaker 1: the Pharisees and Sadducees. 155 00:10:37,530 --> 00:10:42,530 Speaker 9: Master, perfect timing. I hope your afternoon was a little 156 00:10:42,790 --> 00:10:46,320 Speaker 9: more relaxing than this morning. We were just on our 157 00:10:46,360 --> 00:10:49,319 Speaker 9: way back into the city. Judas mentioned we needed to 158 00:10:49,420 --> 00:10:52,900 Speaker 9: restock supplies before heading to camp. Would you care to 159 00:10:52,940 --> 00:10:53,340 Speaker 9: join us? 160 00:10:53,820 --> 00:10:57,000 Speaker 4: I would be delighted to, though I don't know if 161 00:10:57,059 --> 00:10:58,179 Speaker 4: we'll be alone for long. 162 00:10:58,679 --> 00:11:02,800 Speaker 1: Jesus pointed ahead of the group. Making their way dutifully 163 00:11:02,860 --> 00:11:06,460 Speaker 1: to Jesus and the disciples was a band of Pharisees. 164 00:11:07,280 --> 00:11:12,959 Speaker 1: Their clean, blue-fringed robes and white tunics stood out strikingly. 165 00:11:13,490 --> 00:11:17,810 Speaker 1: against the tans and beiges of their surroundings. They had 166 00:11:17,910 --> 00:11:22,480 Speaker 1: calculated the moment they would swoop down on Jesus like 167 00:11:22,520 --> 00:11:26,460 Speaker 1: a murder of crows. Barring him near the city gates 168 00:11:27,140 --> 00:11:31,679 Speaker 1: ensured the maximum number of pilgrims to overhear his humiliation 169 00:11:31,970 --> 00:11:32,990 Speaker 1: before the Pharisees. 170 00:11:33,570 --> 00:11:39,030 Speaker 9: Well, well, well, if it isn't the teacher, Jesus of Nazareth. 171 00:11:39,590 --> 00:11:43,370 Speaker 1: The Pharisees spoke with an indignant air about him. showing 172 00:11:43,490 --> 00:11:46,410 Speaker 1: no attempts at covering the sarcasm of his tone. 173 00:11:47,410 --> 00:11:51,750 Speaker 9: Our sincerest apologies for barraging you once again on this day. 174 00:11:52,220 --> 00:11:55,559 Speaker 1: Jesus showed no sign of taking offense at the Pharisees. 175 00:11:56,140 --> 00:11:57,900 Speaker 1: He gave a pacified smile. 176 00:11:58,540 --> 00:12:01,620 Speaker 4: Oh no, the apology is mine. It appears my teachings 177 00:12:01,660 --> 00:12:05,260 Speaker 4: have become too complex for you to understand. Otherwise, why 178 00:12:05,370 --> 00:12:07,929 Speaker 4: else would you keep coming back with questions? If you 179 00:12:07,970 --> 00:12:10,089 Speaker 4: want to be one of my disciples, just say so. 180 00:12:10,690 --> 00:12:14,590 Speaker 1: The disciples looked at each other with raised eyebrows, unable 181 00:12:14,650 --> 00:12:15,750 Speaker 1: to hide their smirks. 182 00:12:16,570 --> 00:12:18,209 Speaker 10: One of your disciples? 183 00:12:18,910 --> 00:12:23,200 Speaker 1: Benjamin looked over Jesus' shoulder at the ragged crew behind him. 184 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:24,460 Speaker 10: No thanks. 185 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:29,540 Speaker 9: I'm not sure we have the right background to be 186 00:12:29,640 --> 00:12:33,679 Speaker 9: one of your followers. However, I will admit that you're 187 00:12:33,760 --> 00:12:36,890 Speaker 9: right in believing we've come to you with another question. 188 00:12:37,309 --> 00:12:38,950 Speaker 4: By all means, I'm listening. 189 00:12:39,670 --> 00:12:43,290 Speaker 1: Benjamin feigned mutual respect as he asked his question. 190 00:12:43,950 --> 00:12:49,320 Speaker 10: From one expert of the law to another, please tell 191 00:12:49,400 --> 00:12:53,060 Speaker 10: us what the greatest commandment is in all the laws 192 00:12:53,120 --> 00:12:53,780 Speaker 10: of Moses. 193 00:12:54,559 --> 00:12:59,070 Speaker 1: Jesus pondered the inquiry. For a moment, Benjamin believed he 194 00:12:59,140 --> 00:13:03,050 Speaker 1: had finally bested the rabbi of Nazareth. He was forcing 195 00:13:03,110 --> 00:13:07,950 Speaker 1: him into an unwinnable stance, for he perceived Jesus to 196 00:13:07,990 --> 00:13:11,780 Speaker 1: be a breaker of the law a rogue teacher who 197 00:13:11,940 --> 00:13:13,280 Speaker 1: disrespected Moses. 198 00:13:13,980 --> 00:13:16,890 Speaker 10: Perhaps the question is above you, teacher? 199 00:13:17,390 --> 00:13:20,630 Speaker 4: No, no, that's not it at all. The answer is clear. 200 00:13:21,210 --> 00:13:24,130 Speaker 4: I'm just considering the nature of your question. Though you 201 00:13:24,170 --> 00:13:26,929 Speaker 4: have asked this question with guile in your heart, I 202 00:13:26,970 --> 00:13:30,240 Speaker 4: will reply as if an innocent child has asked the question. 203 00:13:30,740 --> 00:13:34,980 Speaker 1: Benjamin's eyes narrowed. He learned by now that it was 204 00:13:35,059 --> 00:13:38,970 Speaker 1: best to allow Jesus to continue speaking. lest he use 205 00:13:39,030 --> 00:13:40,650 Speaker 1: your own words against you. 206 00:13:41,050 --> 00:13:45,120 Speaker 4: The first and greatest commandment is this. Love the Lord 207 00:13:45,150 --> 00:13:48,579 Speaker 4: your God with all your heart and with all your 208 00:13:48,679 --> 00:13:53,260 Speaker 4: soul and with all your mind. And for extra credit 209 00:13:53,320 --> 00:13:55,880 Speaker 4: on your little test, let me share the second that 210 00:13:55,940 --> 00:14:00,980 Speaker 4: is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. From the 211 00:14:01,020 --> 00:14:04,160 Speaker 4: very first to the very last, all the law and 212 00:14:04,179 --> 00:14:07,000 Speaker 4: the prophets hang on these two commandments. 213 00:14:07,840 --> 00:14:12,340 Speaker 1: Benjamin had been right not to speak. There was no 214 00:14:12,400 --> 00:14:17,100 Speaker 1: denying that Jesus' answer was more than sufficient. But his 215 00:14:17,179 --> 00:14:20,700 Speaker 1: hardened shell against the teacher only grew harder. 216 00:14:21,180 --> 00:14:24,000 Speaker 4: Now, from one expert of the law to another, let 217 00:14:24,060 --> 00:14:26,440 Speaker 4: me ask you a question of your interpretation of the 218 00:14:26,480 --> 00:14:27,040 Speaker 4: word of God. 219 00:14:28,520 --> 00:14:29,120 Speaker 1: Go on. 220 00:14:29,720 --> 00:14:33,230 Speaker 4: What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he? 221 00:14:33,250 --> 00:14:34,520 Speaker 10: Well, that's easy. 222 00:14:34,870 --> 00:14:35,660 Speaker 9: The son of David. 223 00:14:36,620 --> 00:14:39,610 Speaker 1: The Pharisee thought he had gotten away with an easy question. 224 00:14:40,610 --> 00:14:43,170 Speaker 1: But Jesus quickly followed up with another. 225 00:14:43,650 --> 00:14:46,730 Speaker 4: How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, 226 00:14:46,810 --> 00:14:49,890 Speaker 4: calls him Lord? For he says, The Lord said to 227 00:14:49,930 --> 00:14:52,550 Speaker 4: my Lord, Sit at my right hand until I put 228 00:14:52,600 --> 00:14:56,000 Speaker 4: your enemies under your feet. If then David calls him Lord, 229 00:14:56,520 --> 00:14:57,740 Speaker 4: how can he be his son? 230 00:14:58,240 --> 00:15:02,000 Speaker 1: Benjamin and the other Pharisees had prepared for this. They 231 00:15:02,040 --> 00:15:05,180 Speaker 1: had always worried that their questions wouldn't be enough to 232 00:15:05,260 --> 00:15:08,860 Speaker 1: trap Jesus. but they didn't expect Jesus to ask a 233 00:15:08,940 --> 00:15:13,480 Speaker 1: question to which they had no reply. This would be 234 00:15:13,520 --> 00:15:16,760 Speaker 1: the last of their questions for Jesus during his ministry. 235 00:15:17,760 --> 00:15:21,910 Speaker 1: The men straightened the collars of their robes, adjusted their headdresses, 236 00:15:22,690 --> 00:15:26,430 Speaker 1: and strode back off towards the temple. They were willing 237 00:15:26,510 --> 00:15:31,130 Speaker 1: to accept their defeat, though the war within them raged on. 238 00:15:31,810 --> 00:15:35,490 Speaker 1: The disciples gawked at the speechless Pharisees making their retreat. 239 00:15:36,190 --> 00:15:38,970 Speaker 1: Peter stepped forward and stood beside Jesus. 240 00:15:39,750 --> 00:15:43,030 Speaker 8: Lord, you have had your fair share of victories over 241 00:15:43,080 --> 00:15:46,960 Speaker 8: the Pharisees, but never have I seen them flee like that. 242 00:15:47,460 --> 00:15:52,980 Speaker 10: I mean, they were speechless. They were actually speechless. 243 00:15:53,480 --> 00:15:57,060 Speaker 1: Jesus chuckled and looked across his shoulder at Peter. Their 244 00:15:57,260 --> 00:16:03,400 Speaker 1: eyes met, and Peter felt overwhelmed. When he looked at Jesus... 245 00:16:03,780 --> 00:16:06,570 Speaker 1: He saw the rabbi who had called him to cast 246 00:16:06,610 --> 00:16:10,490 Speaker 1: his nets again. He saw his master who had given 247 00:16:10,530 --> 00:16:15,050 Speaker 1: him his new name. He saw his Lord whose face 248 00:16:15,100 --> 00:16:19,300 Speaker 1: had shone in magnificent light on the mountain where he 249 00:16:19,340 --> 00:16:24,080 Speaker 1: was transfigured in glory. And now he was reminded that 250 00:16:24,160 --> 00:16:29,610 Speaker 1: Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of David and Lord 251 00:16:30,310 --> 00:16:35,110 Speaker 1: of all. Jesus noticed Peter's prolonged, silent stare. 252 00:16:35,790 --> 00:16:36,830 Speaker 4: Are you all right, Peter? 253 00:16:37,290 --> 00:16:39,050 Speaker 5: Yes, Lord. Just. 254 00:16:40,590 --> 00:16:41,390 Speaker 1: just thankful. 255 00:16:41,790 --> 00:16:44,010 Speaker 4: For what do you find yourself thankful now, my friend? 256 00:16:44,630 --> 00:16:48,050 Speaker 1: Peter looked at Jesus with a tear in his eye. 257 00:16:48,730 --> 00:16:53,640 Speaker 8: That you would love us as your own. Let's hit 258 00:16:53,680 --> 00:16:56,229 Speaker 8: the scene. The religious leaders of the time were not 259 00:16:56,330 --> 00:17:00,870 Speaker 8: exactly Jesus' biggest fans. In fact, they were constantly looking 260 00:17:00,910 --> 00:17:02,950 Speaker 8: for ways to trip him up, to catch him in 261 00:17:02,990 --> 00:17:06,889 Speaker 8: a theological or legal mistake. In this story, the Pharisees, 262 00:17:07,130 --> 00:17:11,129 Speaker 8: having seen Jesus silence the Sadducees, decide to take their shot. 263 00:17:11,530 --> 00:17:14,340 Speaker 8: They send in a lawyer, an expert in the law 264 00:17:14,359 --> 00:17:18,820 Speaker 8: of Moses, to ask Jesus a question, hoping to trap him. Teacher, 265 00:17:19,180 --> 00:17:21,939 Speaker 8: what is the greatest commandment in the law? Matthew 22, 266 00:17:21,940 --> 00:17:26,960 Speaker 8: verse 36. Now, this wasn't just a casual question. The 267 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:31,600 Speaker 8: Jewish law had 613 commandments, and debates about which were 268 00:17:31,619 --> 00:17:34,970 Speaker 8: the most important were common. If Jesus chose one commandment, 269 00:17:35,290 --> 00:17:38,050 Speaker 8: they thought he might be seen as neglecting others. It 270 00:17:38,109 --> 00:17:41,750 Speaker 8: was a clever trap. But Jesus, in his wisdom, responds 271 00:17:41,790 --> 00:17:45,190 Speaker 8: with the simplicity and depth that only he could provide. 272 00:17:45,730 --> 00:17:48,489 Speaker 8: Jesus replied, You shall love the Lord your God with 273 00:17:48,650 --> 00:17:51,570 Speaker 8: all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. 274 00:17:52,050 --> 00:17:56,969 Speaker 8: This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22, verses 275 00:17:56,970 --> 00:18:02,170 Speaker 8: 37 and 38. Here, Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 6, verse 5, 276 00:18:02,170 --> 00:18:04,910 Speaker 8: a verse that every devout Jew would have known by heart. 277 00:18:05,450 --> 00:18:09,810 Speaker 8: This commandment is about complete, undivided devotion. Loving God with 278 00:18:09,930 --> 00:18:13,910 Speaker 8: all your heart means giving Him your deepest affection. Loving 279 00:18:13,950 --> 00:18:17,139 Speaker 8: God with all your soul means committing your entire being 280 00:18:17,180 --> 00:18:20,040 Speaker 8: to Him. And loving God with all your mind means 281 00:18:20,140 --> 00:18:24,920 Speaker 8: engaging in thoughtful, intentional devotion. But let's be honest. Loving 282 00:18:24,960 --> 00:18:27,740 Speaker 8: God like this is a tall order. It's easy to 283 00:18:27,800 --> 00:18:30,740 Speaker 8: say we love God, but Jesus is asking for an 284 00:18:30,960 --> 00:18:35,530 Speaker 8: all-encompassing love. It's a love that shapes every decision, every action, 285 00:18:36,170 --> 00:18:39,870 Speaker 8: every thought. And it's a love that demands our whole selves. 286 00:18:40,350 --> 00:18:42,870 Speaker 8: As one scholar puts it, it is clear enough what 287 00:18:42,910 --> 00:18:45,030 Speaker 8: it means to love the Lord with all we are, 288 00:18:45,550 --> 00:18:49,520 Speaker 8: though it is impossible to do perfectly. Jesus doesn't stop there. 289 00:18:50,180 --> 00:18:53,000 Speaker 8: He says, and the second is like it. You shall 290 00:18:53,040 --> 00:18:57,760 Speaker 8: love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew chapter 22 verse 39. 291 00:18:57,760 --> 00:19:01,540 Speaker 8: Here he's quoting from Leviticus chapter 19 verse 18. And 292 00:19:01,580 --> 00:19:05,820 Speaker 8: this commandment is equally profound. Loving your neighbor as yourself 293 00:19:06,160 --> 00:19:08,570 Speaker 8: doesn't mean you have to love yourself before you can 294 00:19:08,609 --> 00:19:11,590 Speaker 8: love others. Rather, it means that in the same way 295 00:19:11,650 --> 00:19:14,930 Speaker 8: you naturally care for your own needs, you should care 296 00:19:14,970 --> 00:19:17,820 Speaker 8: for the needs of others. This is where the rubber 297 00:19:17,920 --> 00:19:20,790 Speaker 8: meets the road. It's easy to say we love God, 298 00:19:21,290 --> 00:19:23,470 Speaker 8: but how we treat others is the true test of 299 00:19:23,490 --> 00:19:27,669 Speaker 8: that love. Do we show patience, kindness, and compassion? Do 300 00:19:27,710 --> 00:19:31,090 Speaker 8: we seek the best for others, even when it's inconvenient 301 00:19:31,130 --> 00:19:34,980 Speaker 8: for us? Loving our neighbor means loving the difficult people, 302 00:19:35,340 --> 00:19:38,100 Speaker 8: the ones who don't love us back, the ones who 303 00:19:38,160 --> 00:19:42,460 Speaker 8: are different from us. It's about loving without conditions, just 304 00:19:42,520 --> 00:19:46,700 Speaker 8: as God loves us. Finally, on these two commandments, Jesus says, 305 00:19:47,100 --> 00:19:51,910 Speaker 8: hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22, verse 40. 306 00:19:51,910 --> 00:19:55,220 Speaker 8: In other words, everything in Scripture, everything about living a 307 00:19:55,260 --> 00:19:58,820 Speaker 8: life that pleases God, boils down to these two loves. 308 00:19:59,500 --> 00:20:02,619 Speaker 8: And here's where we see the third love, love on mission. 309 00:20:03,060 --> 00:20:06,800 Speaker 8: When we love God and love others, we naturally begin 310 00:20:06,840 --> 00:20:10,460 Speaker 8: to love what God loves. the world He created, and 311 00:20:10,480 --> 00:20:13,899 Speaker 8: the people He longs to save. Our love for God 312 00:20:14,040 --> 00:20:17,399 Speaker 8: and others compels us to share the good news, to 313 00:20:17,440 --> 00:20:20,290 Speaker 8: go out on mission, to be the hands and feet 314 00:20:20,369 --> 00:20:23,629 Speaker 8: of Jesus in a broken world. This love drives us 315 00:20:23,670 --> 00:20:27,730 Speaker 8: to serve, to sacrifice, and to go beyond our comfort zones. 316 00:20:28,510 --> 00:20:32,770 Speaker 8: Jesus lived out this love perfectly. He loved the Father completely. 317 00:20:33,170 --> 00:20:36,669 Speaker 8: He loved people unconditionally, and He was on mission to 318 00:20:36,770 --> 00:20:40,860 Speaker 8: seek and save the lost. And as His followers, we 319 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:43,740 Speaker 8: are called to do the same. So, what does this 320 00:20:43,800 --> 00:20:46,920 Speaker 8: look like for us today? It's about simplifying our faith 321 00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:51,270 Speaker 8: down to its most essential elements. Sometimes we get caught 322 00:20:51,390 --> 00:20:53,169 Speaker 8: up in all the details of what we think we 323 00:20:53,250 --> 00:20:56,750 Speaker 8: need to do to please God. But Jesus makes it clear. 324 00:20:57,609 --> 00:21:02,210 Speaker 8: Love God. Love one another. Love on mission. Let's take 325 00:21:02,250 --> 00:21:05,220 Speaker 8: a moment to reflect. How is my love for God? 326 00:21:05,720 --> 00:21:08,100 Speaker 8: Am I truly loving Him with all my heart? 327 00:21:08,410 --> 00:21:09,820 Speaker 1: My soul? My mind? 328 00:21:10,480 --> 00:21:12,660 Speaker 8: What are the areas of my life where I'm holding back? 329 00:21:13,400 --> 00:21:15,859 Speaker 8: How is my love for others? Am I loving my 330 00:21:15,940 --> 00:21:19,859 Speaker 8: neighbor as myself, even when it's hard? Who is God 331 00:21:19,920 --> 00:21:22,899 Speaker 8: calling me to love better this week? How is my 332 00:21:22,940 --> 00:21:26,110 Speaker 8: love on mission? Am I actively looking for ways to 333 00:21:26,160 --> 00:21:28,330 Speaker 8: share God's love with those who don't know Him yet? 334 00:21:28,970 --> 00:21:31,869 Speaker 8: How can I be more intentional in living out this mission? 335 00:21:32,750 --> 00:21:35,330 Speaker 8: As we go about our week, let's keep these three 336 00:21:35,390 --> 00:21:38,879 Speaker 8: loves at the forefront of our minds. Because when we 337 00:21:38,920 --> 00:21:43,730 Speaker 8: get these right, everything else falls into place. Let's love God, 338 00:21:44,270 --> 00:21:46,640 Speaker 8: love one another, and love on mission.