1 00:00:00,500 --> 00:00:03,300 Speaker 1: He said to him, You shall love the Lord your 2 00:00:03,340 --> 00:00:05,920 Speaker 1: God with all your heart and with all your soul 3 00:00:06,380 --> 00:00:12,889 Speaker 1: and with all your mind. Matthew 22, 37 Heavenly Father, 4 00:00:14,070 --> 00:00:18,050 Speaker 1: we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for 5 00:00:18,070 --> 00:00:22,709 Speaker 1: your unending love and grace. Thank you for the countless 6 00:00:22,790 --> 00:00:27,010 Speaker 1: blessings you bestow upon us daily, for your presence in 7 00:00:27,070 --> 00:00:33,380 Speaker 1: our lives, and for the gift of salvation. through Jesus Christ. Lord, 8 00:00:33,420 --> 00:00:37,200 Speaker 1: we acknowledge our deep need for you in every aspect 9 00:00:37,220 --> 00:00:42,800 Speaker 1: of our lives. Without you, we are lost and directionless. 10 00:00:43,820 --> 00:00:48,240 Speaker 1: Teach us to love you with all our heart, soul, 11 00:00:48,780 --> 00:00:53,990 Speaker 1: and mind as you've commanded. Transform our hearts to fully 12 00:00:54,070 --> 00:00:57,850 Speaker 1: embrace your love and to reflect it in our thoughts 13 00:00:58,190 --> 00:01:03,250 Speaker 1: and actions. Grant us the strength and determination to live 14 00:01:03,370 --> 00:01:07,270 Speaker 1: out this commandment each day. Help us to put you 15 00:01:07,330 --> 00:01:11,289 Speaker 1: first in all we do, seeking your will above our 16 00:01:11,390 --> 00:01:16,459 Speaker 1: own desires. Empower us to be beacons of your love, 17 00:01:17,560 --> 00:01:21,640 Speaker 1: spreading your light and grace to all those around us. 18 00:01:22,520 --> 00:01:24,160 Speaker 1: In Jesus' name we pray. 19 00:01:24,980 --> 00:01:25,260 Speaker 2: Amen. 20 00:01:27,560 --> 00:01:30,470 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me. You're listening to the 21 00:01:30,530 --> 00:01:36,890 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast, stories inspired by the gospel to entertain, enlighten, 22 00:01:37,350 --> 00:01:41,970 Speaker 1: and encourage. Be sure to follow this podcast on whatever 23 00:01:42,030 --> 00:01:47,470 Speaker 1: platform you're listening to. The disciples were seated along the 24 00:01:47,530 --> 00:01:52,280 Speaker 1: banks of the Brook Kidron. They mindlessly skipped rocks down 25 00:01:52,340 --> 00:01:56,800 Speaker 1: the trickling stream. That morning, Jesus had two separate encounters 26 00:01:56,860 --> 00:02:01,100 Speaker 1: with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Both groups had given their 27 00:02:01,140 --> 00:02:05,220 Speaker 1: best attempt at trapping Jesus in his words, but to 28 00:02:05,260 --> 00:02:09,150 Speaker 1: no surprise to the disciples, Jesus had held his ground 29 00:02:09,950 --> 00:02:13,350 Speaker 1: and walked away victorious. In the afternoon shade of the 30 00:02:13,410 --> 00:02:16,810 Speaker 1: trees that lined the valley, they were able to let 31 00:02:16,850 --> 00:02:21,270 Speaker 1: their minds and bodies rest. They always looked forward to 32 00:02:21,310 --> 00:02:24,560 Speaker 1: moments of reprieve from the crowds and religious leaders. 33 00:02:25,260 --> 00:02:28,480 Speaker 3: I tell you, Nathaniel, I don't know how he does it. 34 00:02:29,070 --> 00:02:31,230 Speaker 3: First he puts the Pharisees in their place over a 35 00:02:31,270 --> 00:02:34,810 Speaker 3: matter of taxes, and then, without skipping a beat, he 36 00:02:35,030 --> 00:02:38,870 Speaker 3: flawlessly answers the Sadducees' questions on marriage and the resurrection, 37 00:02:39,669 --> 00:02:41,889 Speaker 3: when they don't even believe in the resurrection. 38 00:02:42,430 --> 00:02:45,590 Speaker 4: Yes, Matthew, it really is a wonder how he keeps 39 00:02:45,660 --> 00:02:50,060 Speaker 4: such a commanding knowledge of Scripture. And no, that's not 40 00:02:50,120 --> 00:02:51,560 Speaker 4: a knock against Nazareth. 41 00:02:52,200 --> 00:02:56,150 Speaker 1: Nathaniel glanced at James and John. who were just about 42 00:02:56,250 --> 00:02:59,870 Speaker 1: to jab at Nathaniel's former thoughts of Jesus' hometown. 43 00:03:00,330 --> 00:03:03,760 Speaker 4: All I'm saying is that he grew up as a carpenter, 44 00:03:04,240 --> 00:03:07,820 Speaker 4: yet he teaches better than any rabbi I've ever heard. 45 00:03:08,280 --> 00:03:11,980 Speaker 5: Not to mention Jesus teaches differently than any rabbi we've 46 00:03:12,120 --> 00:03:12,680 Speaker 5: ever heard. 47 00:03:13,210 --> 00:03:15,810 Speaker 1: Andrew glanced down at the rock he had just plucked 48 00:03:15,889 --> 00:03:20,590 Speaker 1: from the water. The stone was smooth and flat, slowly 49 00:03:20,750 --> 00:03:24,130 Speaker 1: shaped by the steady but constant beat of the brook. 50 00:03:24,730 --> 00:03:28,330 Speaker 1: He cast it out and watched it skid across the 51 00:03:28,350 --> 00:03:28,910 Speaker 1: murky water. 52 00:03:29,330 --> 00:03:33,070 Speaker 5: I mean, I definitely never expected life to look the 53 00:03:33,130 --> 00:03:36,200 Speaker 5: way it is. I always assumed Peter and I would 54 00:03:36,280 --> 00:03:39,600 Speaker 5: die out at sea as fishermen, and sooner rather than 55 00:03:39,640 --> 00:03:41,780 Speaker 5: later with how bad our catches are becoming. 56 00:03:42,140 --> 00:03:47,880 Speaker 1: Peter laughed at his brother. He nodded his head in agreement. He, 57 00:03:47,960 --> 00:03:51,480 Speaker 1: of all the disciples, never imagined being at this point 58 00:03:51,560 --> 00:03:55,580 Speaker 1: in life. When he first met Jesus... He was ready 59 00:03:55,600 --> 00:03:58,650 Speaker 1: to give up. Now he wasn't even going by the 60 00:03:58,720 --> 00:04:03,130 Speaker 1: same name he had just a few years earlier. He 61 00:04:03,210 --> 00:04:07,710 Speaker 1: felt like an altogether new person in more ways than one. 62 00:04:08,590 --> 00:04:13,640 Speaker 1: The love Jesus had shown him had changed his heart forever. 63 00:04:16,940 --> 00:04:20,219 Speaker 6: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 64 00:04:20,700 --> 00:04:24,240 Speaker 6: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 65 00:04:24,260 --> 00:04:29,120 Speaker 6: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 66 00:04:29,310 --> 00:04:35,770 Speaker 6: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 67 00:04:35,870 --> 00:04:40,150 Speaker 6: soles and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. 68 00:04:40,750 --> 00:04:43,650 Speaker 6: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 69 00:04:43,670 --> 00:04:47,850 Speaker 6: the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 70 00:04:47,890 --> 00:04:52,430 Speaker 6: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort, and hello to unparalleled 71 00:04:52,470 --> 00:04:57,870 Speaker 6: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit GDefy.com 72 00:04:58,210 --> 00:05:01,030 Speaker 6: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 73 00:05:01,450 --> 00:05:06,150 Speaker 6: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 74 00:05:06,210 --> 00:05:13,179 Speaker 6: GDefy shoes. Visit G-D-E-F-Y.com today. 75 00:05:16,400 --> 00:05:20,510 Speaker 7: Love God, love one another, and love on mission. These 76 00:05:20,570 --> 00:05:22,770 Speaker 7: are the pillars that hold the body of Christ up. 77 00:05:23,490 --> 00:05:27,710 Speaker 7: This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today, 78 00:05:27,830 --> 00:05:31,250 Speaker 7: we continue through our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status 79 00:05:31,290 --> 00:05:34,270 Speaker 7: quo and showing us a new way to live. This 80 00:05:34,330 --> 00:05:38,250 Speaker 7: series showcases Jesus' teachings and passion, and we'll learn about 81 00:05:38,310 --> 00:05:41,590 Speaker 7: God's heart for people and His kingdom. Today, we're diving 82 00:05:41,630 --> 00:05:44,370 Speaker 7: into one of the most profound and beautiful teachings of 83 00:05:44,450 --> 00:05:50,469 Speaker 7: Jesus found in Matthew 22, verses 34-40. This passage captures 84 00:05:50,529 --> 00:05:52,870 Speaker 7: the essence of what it means to live a life 85 00:05:52,950 --> 00:05:56,050 Speaker 7: that truly honors God. And the beauty of it is 86 00:05:56,089 --> 00:05:59,170 Speaker 7: that it all boils down to three simple yet deeply 87 00:05:59,270 --> 00:06:04,330 Speaker 7: challenging loves. Love God, love one another, and love on mission. 88 00:06:06,830 --> 00:06:10,050 Speaker 1: In the heart of Jerusalem, a group of Pharisees were 89 00:06:10,089 --> 00:06:14,190 Speaker 1: gathering together in one of their homes. The house smelled 90 00:06:14,250 --> 00:06:18,410 Speaker 1: of burning incense, tapestries from different parts of the world, 91 00:06:18,890 --> 00:06:22,730 Speaker 1: were neatly placed on the walls around the house. The 92 00:06:22,770 --> 00:06:27,099 Speaker 1: men were pacing around the room, engrossed in a deep 93 00:06:27,220 --> 00:06:31,700 Speaker 1: conversation concerning Jesus and the work he was doing. 94 00:06:32,420 --> 00:06:36,760 Speaker 2: Well, I can't say I'm not surprised he bested the Sadducees. 95 00:06:36,779 --> 00:06:42,370 Speaker 2: They've been lacking as of late. They actually thought they 96 00:06:42,380 --> 00:06:45,589 Speaker 2: could trap Jesus and prove their crazy notion that there 97 00:06:45,650 --> 00:06:46,670 Speaker 2: is no resurrection. 98 00:06:47,410 --> 00:06:52,870 Speaker 8: Yes, but that's not our concern. Our real concern is 99 00:06:52,910 --> 00:06:57,589 Speaker 8: that he bested the Sadducees and us on the same day. 100 00:06:57,610 --> 00:07:03,560 Speaker 1: A third Pharisee confidently broke into the conversations. Benjamin had 101 00:07:03,660 --> 00:07:07,839 Speaker 1: come from a long line of Pharisees and couldn't stand 102 00:07:07,900 --> 00:07:11,820 Speaker 1: the thought of a singular man being the reason for 103 00:07:11,920 --> 00:07:15,740 Speaker 1: their biggest problems. He had a plan to enter. 104 00:07:16,430 --> 00:07:20,390 Speaker 8: You both are missing the point. This is only a 105 00:07:20,450 --> 00:07:25,250 Speaker 8: problem if we let it remain one. I, for one, 106 00:07:25,310 --> 00:07:29,710 Speaker 8: will not idly stand by as a blasphemer and false 107 00:07:29,800 --> 00:07:34,160 Speaker 8: teacher parades around Israel making a mockery of everything we 108 00:07:34,280 --> 00:07:38,780 Speaker 8: stand for. For generations we've protected the name of Adonai 109 00:07:39,120 --> 00:07:43,100 Speaker 8: and brought honor to him, my father, and his forefathers, 110 00:07:43,510 --> 00:07:46,610 Speaker 8: were some of the greatest Pharisees in the Lion's history. 111 00:07:47,550 --> 00:07:50,950 Speaker 8: And I will not see the day that I falter 112 00:07:51,010 --> 00:07:53,090 Speaker 8: in this most noble of callings. 113 00:07:53,630 --> 00:07:57,650 Speaker 1: The Pharisee made articulate hand gestures as he stormed around 114 00:07:57,690 --> 00:08:02,210 Speaker 1: the room. His monologue seemed to be captivating his audience. 115 00:08:03,030 --> 00:08:04,410 Speaker 1: So he carried on. 116 00:08:04,870 --> 00:08:08,040 Speaker 8: He claims to be a teacher of the law. But 117 00:08:08,120 --> 00:08:13,530 Speaker 8: on whose authority? His credibility is thin, at best... And 118 00:08:13,570 --> 00:08:18,850 Speaker 8: these parables are always talking in riddles. Why? Because he 119 00:08:18,870 --> 00:08:23,660 Speaker 8: doesn't want anyone to realize he's a fraud. But if 120 00:08:23,700 --> 00:08:27,180 Speaker 8: he wants to be seen as a harbinger of truth, 121 00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:30,520 Speaker 8: let's give him the opportunity. 122 00:08:31,360 --> 00:08:34,470 Speaker 1: His finger wrapped lightly on the walking stick in his hand. 123 00:08:35,370 --> 00:08:37,470 Speaker 1: He wrapped the end of it on the ground as 124 00:08:37,530 --> 00:08:38,510 Speaker 1: if in frustration. 125 00:08:39,710 --> 00:08:40,270 Speaker 4: All a show. 126 00:08:41,090 --> 00:08:43,349 Speaker 1: To capture the ears of the other Pharisees. 127 00:08:44,190 --> 00:08:49,569 Speaker 8: You see, I have studied the law with exceptional scrutiny. 128 00:08:50,450 --> 00:08:53,950 Speaker 8: There is no commandment I do not have memorized, and 129 00:08:54,030 --> 00:08:58,890 Speaker 8: no edict, rule, or mitzvah I cannot recite. If Jesus 130 00:08:58,950 --> 00:09:02,120 Speaker 8: of Nazareth believes he knows the law better than us, 131 00:09:03,010 --> 00:09:05,900 Speaker 8: let him prove it. I was there when he answered 132 00:09:05,920 --> 00:09:12,230 Speaker 8: the Sadducees. He will undoubtedly be tired after this morning's questioning. 133 00:09:12,950 --> 00:09:15,730 Speaker 8: Maybe the pressure from another visit will play in our favor. 134 00:09:16,410 --> 00:09:19,050 Speaker 8: We shall find him and put him to the ultimate 135 00:09:19,100 --> 00:09:25,880 Speaker 8: test regarding the law. If he can't produce an adequate answer, 136 00:09:26,660 --> 00:09:29,959 Speaker 8: we'll make our move to deface him in the public's eyes. 137 00:09:30,620 --> 00:09:32,590 Speaker 1: The Pharisee looked to his compatriots. 138 00:09:33,179 --> 00:09:37,090 Speaker 8: The ministry of Jesus will come to an end. 139 00:09:40,510 --> 00:09:43,820 Speaker 1: Jesus made his way down the Mount of Olives after 140 00:09:43,900 --> 00:09:49,040 Speaker 1: spending the afternoon in prayer. His face was turned toward Jerusalem. 141 00:09:49,960 --> 00:09:53,500 Speaker 1: He beheld the city walls off in the distance, the 142 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:58,750 Speaker 1: temple's point visible against the blue skyline. Days before, he 143 00:09:58,790 --> 00:10:02,300 Speaker 1: had been welcomed into the city as a king. But 144 00:10:02,340 --> 00:10:05,880 Speaker 1: he knew the days ahead would be long and arduous. 145 00:10:06,970 --> 00:10:11,010 Speaker 1: For that reason, he dedicated as much time to being 146 00:10:11,070 --> 00:10:15,050 Speaker 1: with the father as he could. Descending from the mountains, 147 00:10:15,780 --> 00:10:19,460 Speaker 1: Jesus spotted the disciples traipsing along the banks of the 148 00:10:19,500 --> 00:10:24,330 Speaker 1: brook Kidron, headed toward Jerusalem. Jesus quickened his pace to 149 00:10:24,380 --> 00:10:27,470 Speaker 1: catch up with them. He reached them just as the 150 00:10:27,530 --> 00:10:31,490 Speaker 1: disciples were entering the city gates. They were glad to 151 00:10:31,530 --> 00:10:35,490 Speaker 1: see him well, and seemingly unfazed by his run-ins with 152 00:10:35,510 --> 00:10:36,960 Speaker 1: the Pharisees and Sadducees. 153 00:10:37,559 --> 00:10:42,560 Speaker 8: Master, perfect timing. I hope your afternoon was a little 154 00:10:42,820 --> 00:10:46,330 Speaker 8: more relaxing than this morning. We were just on our 155 00:10:46,370 --> 00:10:49,330 Speaker 8: way back into the city. Judas mentioned we needed to 156 00:10:49,429 --> 00:10:52,930 Speaker 8: restock supplies before heading to camp. Would you care to 157 00:10:52,970 --> 00:10:53,350 Speaker 8: join us? 158 00:10:53,830 --> 00:10:57,010 Speaker 9: I would be delighted to, though I don't know if 159 00:10:57,050 --> 00:10:58,189 Speaker 9: we'll be alone for long. 160 00:10:58,690 --> 00:11:02,819 Speaker 1: Jesus pointed ahead of the group. Making their way dutifully 161 00:11:02,880 --> 00:11:06,480 Speaker 1: to Jesus and the disciples was a band of Pharisees. 162 00:11:07,300 --> 00:11:12,979 Speaker 1: Their clean, blue-fringed robes and white tunics stood out strikingly. 163 00:11:13,510 --> 00:11:17,810 Speaker 1: against the tans and beiges of their surroundings. They had 164 00:11:17,929 --> 00:11:22,470 Speaker 1: calculated the moment they would swoop down on Jesus like 165 00:11:22,530 --> 00:11:26,470 Speaker 1: a murder of crows. Barring him near the city gates 166 00:11:27,130 --> 00:11:31,689 Speaker 1: ensured the maximum number of pilgrims to overhear his humiliation 167 00:11:31,970 --> 00:11:32,989 Speaker 1: before the Pharisees. 168 00:11:33,570 --> 00:11:39,030 Speaker 8: Well, well, well, if it isn't the teacher, Jesus of Nazareth. 169 00:11:39,570 --> 00:11:43,370 Speaker 1: The Pharisees spoke with an indignant air about him. showing 170 00:11:43,510 --> 00:11:46,410 Speaker 1: no attempts at covering the sarcasm of his tone. 171 00:11:47,410 --> 00:11:51,750 Speaker 8: Our sincerest apologies for barraging you once again on this day. 172 00:11:52,210 --> 00:11:55,559 Speaker 1: Jesus showed no sign of taking offense at the Pharisees. 173 00:11:56,140 --> 00:11:59,160 Speaker 1: He gave a pacified smile. Oh no, the. 174 00:11:59,120 --> 00:12:02,319 Speaker 9: Apology is mine. It appears my teachings have become too 175 00:12:02,380 --> 00:12:05,820 Speaker 9: complex for you to understand. Otherwise, why else would you 176 00:12:05,860 --> 00:12:08,380 Speaker 9: keep coming back with questions? If you want to be 177 00:12:08,440 --> 00:12:10,090 Speaker 9: one of my disciples, just say so. 178 00:12:10,700 --> 00:12:14,610 Speaker 1: The disciples looked at each other with raised eyebrows, unable 179 00:12:14,650 --> 00:12:15,770 Speaker 1: to hide their smirks. 180 00:12:16,570 --> 00:12:18,210 Speaker 8: One of your disciples? 181 00:12:18,929 --> 00:12:23,210 Speaker 1: Benjamin looked over Jesus' shoulder at the ragged crew behind him. 182 00:12:23,890 --> 00:12:28,900 Speaker 8: No thanks. I'm not sure we have the right background 183 00:12:29,300 --> 00:12:33,100 Speaker 8: to be one of your followers. However, I will admit 184 00:12:33,179 --> 00:12:35,780 Speaker 8: that you're right in believing we've come to you with 185 00:12:35,960 --> 00:12:36,900 Speaker 8: another question. 186 00:12:37,300 --> 00:12:38,960 Speaker 9: By all means, I'm listening. 187 00:12:39,690 --> 00:12:43,290 Speaker 1: Benjamin feigned mutual respect as he asked his question. 188 00:12:43,970 --> 00:12:49,340 Speaker 8: From one expert of the law to another, please tell 189 00:12:49,420 --> 00:12:53,080 Speaker 8: us what the greatest commandment is in all the laws 190 00:12:53,120 --> 00:12:53,819 Speaker 8: of Moses. 191 00:12:54,580 --> 00:12:59,080 Speaker 1: Jesus pondered the inquiry. For a moment, Benjamin believed he 192 00:12:59,140 --> 00:13:03,069 Speaker 1: had finally bested the rabbi of Nazareth. He was forcing 193 00:13:03,110 --> 00:13:07,950 Speaker 1: him into an unwinnable stance, for he perceived Jesus to 194 00:13:07,990 --> 00:13:11,800 Speaker 1: be a breaker of the law. a rogue teacher who 195 00:13:11,960 --> 00:13:13,300 Speaker 1: disrespected Moses. 196 00:13:14,000 --> 00:13:16,900 Speaker 8: Perhaps the question is above you, teacher? 197 00:13:17,400 --> 00:13:20,630 Speaker 9: No, no, that's not it at all. The answer is clear. 198 00:13:21,210 --> 00:13:24,150 Speaker 9: I'm just considering the nature of your question. Though you 199 00:13:24,190 --> 00:13:26,949 Speaker 9: have asked this question with guile in your heart, I 200 00:13:26,990 --> 00:13:30,230 Speaker 9: will reply as if an innocent child has asked the question. 201 00:13:30,750 --> 00:13:35,000 Speaker 1: Benjamin's eyes narrowed. He learned by now that it was 202 00:13:35,050 --> 00:13:38,990 Speaker 1: best to allow Jesus to continue speaking. lest he use 203 00:13:39,030 --> 00:13:40,650 Speaker 1: your own words against you. 204 00:13:41,050 --> 00:13:45,130 Speaker 9: The first and greatest commandment is this. Love the Lord 205 00:13:45,170 --> 00:13:48,599 Speaker 9: your God with all your heart and with all your 206 00:13:48,679 --> 00:13:53,260 Speaker 9: soul and with all your mind. And for extra credit 207 00:13:53,340 --> 00:13:55,880 Speaker 9: on your little test, let me share the second that 208 00:13:55,940 --> 00:14:01,000 Speaker 9: is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. From the 209 00:14:01,040 --> 00:14:04,160 Speaker 9: very first to the very last, all the law and 210 00:14:04,179 --> 00:14:07,000 Speaker 9: the prophets hang on these two commandments. 211 00:14:07,840 --> 00:14:12,360 Speaker 1: Benjamin had been right not to speak. There was no 212 00:14:12,420 --> 00:14:17,120 Speaker 1: denying that Jesus' answer was more than sufficient. But his 213 00:14:17,200 --> 00:14:20,720 Speaker 1: hardened shell against the teacher only grew harder. 214 00:14:21,180 --> 00:14:24,020 Speaker 9: Now, from one expert of the law to another, let 215 00:14:24,080 --> 00:14:26,460 Speaker 9: me ask you a question of your interpretation of the 216 00:14:26,500 --> 00:14:27,060 Speaker 9: word of God. 217 00:14:28,540 --> 00:14:29,140 Speaker 4: Go on. 218 00:14:29,740 --> 00:14:33,240 Speaker 9: What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he? 219 00:14:33,260 --> 00:14:35,660 Speaker 8: Well, that's easy. The son of David. 220 00:14:36,620 --> 00:14:39,600 Speaker 1: The Pharisee thought he had gotten away with an easy question. 221 00:14:40,610 --> 00:14:43,190 Speaker 1: But Jesus quickly followed up with another. 222 00:14:43,670 --> 00:14:46,750 Speaker 9: How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, 223 00:14:46,830 --> 00:14:49,890 Speaker 9: calls him Lord? For he says, The Lord said to 224 00:14:49,950 --> 00:14:52,570 Speaker 9: my Lord, Sit at my right hand until I put 225 00:14:52,610 --> 00:14:56,020 Speaker 9: your enemies under your feet. If then David calls him Lord, 226 00:14:56,540 --> 00:14:57,760 Speaker 9: how can he be his son? 227 00:14:58,240 --> 00:15:02,020 Speaker 1: Benjamin and the other Pharisees had prepared for this. They 228 00:15:02,040 --> 00:15:05,200 Speaker 1: had always worried that their questions wouldn't be enough to 229 00:15:05,280 --> 00:15:08,880 Speaker 1: trap Jesus. but they didn't expect Jesus to ask a 230 00:15:08,960 --> 00:15:13,500 Speaker 1: question to which they had no reply. This would be 231 00:15:13,540 --> 00:15:16,780 Speaker 1: the last of their questions for Jesus during his ministry. 232 00:15:17,760 --> 00:15:21,920 Speaker 1: The men straightened the collars of their robes, adjusted their headdresses, 233 00:15:22,680 --> 00:15:26,450 Speaker 1: and strode back off towards the temple. They were willing 234 00:15:26,500 --> 00:15:31,150 Speaker 1: to accept their defeat, though the war within them raged on. 235 00:15:31,830 --> 00:15:35,510 Speaker 1: The disciples gawked at the speechless Pharisees making their retreat. 236 00:15:36,210 --> 00:15:38,990 Speaker 1: Peter stepped forward and stood beside Jesus. 237 00:15:39,770 --> 00:15:43,050 Speaker 8: Lord, you have had your fair share of victories over 238 00:15:43,090 --> 00:15:46,970 Speaker 8: the Pharisees, but never have I seen them flee like that. 239 00:15:47,470 --> 00:15:53,000 Speaker 8: I mean, they were speechless. They were actually speechless. 240 00:15:53,500 --> 00:15:57,080 Speaker 1: Jesus chuckled and looked across his shoulder at Peter. Their 241 00:15:57,280 --> 00:16:03,400 Speaker 1: eyes met, and Peter felt overwhelmed. When he looked at Jesus... 242 00:16:03,800 --> 00:16:06,560 Speaker 1: He saw the rabbi who had called him to cast 243 00:16:06,620 --> 00:16:10,490 Speaker 1: his nets again. He saw his master who had given 244 00:16:10,530 --> 00:16:15,070 Speaker 1: him his new name. He saw his Lord whose face 245 00:16:15,110 --> 00:16:19,290 Speaker 1: had shone in magnificent light on the mountain where he 246 00:16:19,330 --> 00:16:24,080 Speaker 1: was transfigured in glory. And now he was reminded that 247 00:16:24,180 --> 00:16:29,160 Speaker 1: Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of David and. 248 00:16:29,220 --> 00:16:30,660 Speaker 8: Lord of all. 249 00:16:31,710 --> 00:16:35,130 Speaker 1: Jesus noticed Peter's prolonged, silent stare. 250 00:16:35,790 --> 00:16:36,830 Speaker 9: Are you all right, Peter? 251 00:16:37,310 --> 00:16:37,870 Speaker 4: Yes, Lord. 252 00:16:38,750 --> 00:16:41,410 Speaker 8: Just... just thankful. 253 00:16:41,790 --> 00:16:44,010 Speaker 9: For what do you find yourself thankful now, my friend? 254 00:16:44,650 --> 00:16:48,070 Speaker 1: Peter looked at Jesus with a tear in his eye. 255 00:16:48,750 --> 00:16:53,660 Speaker 7: That you would love us as your own. Let's set 256 00:16:53,700 --> 00:16:56,239 Speaker 7: the scene. The religious leaders of the time were not 257 00:16:56,340 --> 00:17:00,890 Speaker 7: exactly Jesus' biggest fans. In fact, they were constantly looking 258 00:17:00,930 --> 00:17:02,970 Speaker 7: for ways to trip him up, to catch him in 259 00:17:03,010 --> 00:17:06,909 Speaker 7: a theological or legal mistake. In this story, the Pharisees, 260 00:17:07,150 --> 00:17:11,129 Speaker 7: having seen Jesus silence the Sadducees, decide to take their shot. 261 00:17:11,550 --> 00:17:14,350 Speaker 7: They send in a lawyer, an expert in the law 262 00:17:14,369 --> 00:17:18,830 Speaker 7: of Moses, to ask Jesus a question, hoping to trap him. Teacher, 263 00:17:19,190 --> 00:17:21,730 Speaker 7: what is the greatest commandment in the law? Matthew 22, 264 00:17:21,730 --> 00:17:26,980 Speaker 7: verse 36. Now, this wasn't just a casual question. The 265 00:17:27,020 --> 00:17:31,620 Speaker 7: Jewish law had 613 commandments, and debates about which were 266 00:17:31,640 --> 00:17:34,980 Speaker 7: the most important were common. If Jesus chose one commandment, 267 00:17:35,300 --> 00:17:38,070 Speaker 7: they thought he might be seen as neglecting others. It 268 00:17:38,109 --> 00:17:41,770 Speaker 7: was a clever trap. But Jesus, in his wisdom, responds 269 00:17:41,810 --> 00:17:45,210 Speaker 7: with the simplicity and depth that only he could provide. 270 00:17:45,750 --> 00:17:48,510 Speaker 7: Jesus replied, You shall love the Lord your God with 271 00:17:48,670 --> 00:17:51,590 Speaker 7: all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. 272 00:17:52,050 --> 00:17:56,990 Speaker 7: This is the first and great commandment, Matthew 22, verses 273 00:17:56,990 --> 00:18:02,190 Speaker 7: 37 and 38. Here, Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 6, verse 5, 274 00:18:02,190 --> 00:18:04,910 Speaker 7: a verse that every devout Jew would have known by heart. 275 00:18:05,450 --> 00:18:09,830 Speaker 7: This commandment is about complete, undivided devotion. Loving God with 276 00:18:09,950 --> 00:18:13,930 Speaker 7: all your heart means giving Him your deepest affection. Loving 277 00:18:13,970 --> 00:18:17,159 Speaker 7: God with all your soul means committing your entire being 278 00:18:17,200 --> 00:18:20,060 Speaker 7: to Him. And loving God with all your mind means 279 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:24,940 Speaker 7: engaging in thoughtful, intentional devotion. But let's be honest. Loving 280 00:18:24,980 --> 00:18:27,760 Speaker 7: God like this is a tall order. It's easy to 281 00:18:27,800 --> 00:18:30,760 Speaker 7: say we love God, but Jesus is asking for an 282 00:18:30,980 --> 00:18:35,520 Speaker 7: all-encompassing love. It's a love that shapes every decision, every action, 283 00:18:36,180 --> 00:18:39,880 Speaker 7: every thought. And it's a love that demands our whole selves. 284 00:18:40,369 --> 00:18:42,869 Speaker 7: As one scholar puts it, it is clear enough what 285 00:18:42,930 --> 00:18:45,030 Speaker 7: it means to love the Lord with all we are, 286 00:18:45,570 --> 00:18:49,530 Speaker 7: though it is impossible to do perfectly. Jesus doesn't stop there. 287 00:18:50,190 --> 00:18:52,990 Speaker 7: He says, and the second is like it. You shall 288 00:18:53,040 --> 00:18:57,780 Speaker 7: love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew chapter 22 verse 39. 289 00:18:57,780 --> 00:19:01,560 Speaker 7: Here he's quoting from Leviticus chapter 19 verse 18. And 290 00:19:01,600 --> 00:19:05,840 Speaker 7: this commandment is equally profound. Loving your neighbor as yourself 291 00:19:06,160 --> 00:19:08,580 Speaker 7: doesn't mean you have to love yourself before you can 292 00:19:08,619 --> 00:19:11,600 Speaker 7: love others. Rather, it means that in the same way 293 00:19:11,660 --> 00:19:14,940 Speaker 7: you naturally care for your own needs, you should care 294 00:19:14,980 --> 00:19:17,840 Speaker 7: for the needs of others. This is where the rubber 295 00:19:17,940 --> 00:19:20,780 Speaker 7: meets the road. It's easy to say we love God, 296 00:19:21,280 --> 00:19:23,460 Speaker 7: but how we treat others is the true test of 297 00:19:23,500 --> 00:19:27,689 Speaker 7: that love. Do we show patience, kindness, and compassion? Do 298 00:19:27,730 --> 00:19:31,109 Speaker 7: we seek the best for others, even when it's inconvenient 299 00:19:31,150 --> 00:19:34,970 Speaker 7: for us? Loving our neighbor means loving the difficult people, 300 00:19:35,350 --> 00:19:38,109 Speaker 7: the ones who don't love us back, the ones who 301 00:19:38,150 --> 00:19:42,470 Speaker 7: are different from us. It's about loving without conditions, just 302 00:19:42,530 --> 00:19:46,740 Speaker 7: as God loves us. Finally, on these two commandments, Jesus says, 303 00:19:47,119 --> 00:19:51,910 Speaker 7: hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22, verse 40. 304 00:19:51,910 --> 00:19:55,210 Speaker 7: In other words, everything in Scripture, everything about living a 305 00:19:55,280 --> 00:19:58,840 Speaker 7: life that pleases God, boils down to these two loves. 306 00:19:59,500 --> 00:20:02,639 Speaker 7: And here's where we see the third love, love on mission. 307 00:20:03,080 --> 00:20:06,800 Speaker 7: When we love God and love others, we naturally begin 308 00:20:06,859 --> 00:20:10,480 Speaker 7: to love what God loves. the world He created, and 309 00:20:10,500 --> 00:20:13,919 Speaker 7: the people He longs to save. Our love for God 310 00:20:14,060 --> 00:20:17,419 Speaker 7: and others compels us to share the good news, to 311 00:20:17,460 --> 00:20:20,300 Speaker 7: go out on mission, to be the hands and feet 312 00:20:20,380 --> 00:20:23,619 Speaker 7: of Jesus in a broken world. This love drives us 313 00:20:23,680 --> 00:20:27,750 Speaker 7: to serve, to sacrifice, and to go beyond our comfort zones. 314 00:20:28,510 --> 00:20:32,790 Speaker 7: Jesus lived out this love perfectly. He loved the Father completely. 315 00:20:33,170 --> 00:20:36,689 Speaker 7: He loved people unconditionally, and He was on mission to 316 00:20:36,770 --> 00:20:40,880 Speaker 7: seek and save the lost. And as His followers, we 317 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:43,760 Speaker 7: are called to do the same. So, what does this 318 00:20:43,800 --> 00:20:46,920 Speaker 7: look like for us today? It's about simplifying our faith 319 00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:51,280 Speaker 7: down to its most essential elements. Sometimes we get caught 320 00:20:51,380 --> 00:20:53,179 Speaker 7: up in all the details of what we think we 321 00:20:53,270 --> 00:20:56,750 Speaker 7: need to do to please God. But Jesus makes it clear. 322 00:20:57,609 --> 00:21:02,230 Speaker 7: Love God. Love one another. Love on mission. Let's take 323 00:21:02,270 --> 00:21:05,230 Speaker 7: a moment to reflect. How is my love for God? 324 00:21:05,730 --> 00:21:08,890 Speaker 7: Am I truly loving Him with all my heart? My soul? 325 00:21:09,330 --> 00:21:09,830 Speaker 4: My mind? 326 00:21:10,470 --> 00:21:12,670 Speaker 7: What are the areas of my life where I'm holding back? 327 00:21:13,410 --> 00:21:15,879 Speaker 7: How is my love for others? Am I loving my 328 00:21:15,960 --> 00:21:19,880 Speaker 7: neighbor as myself, even when it's hard? Who is God 329 00:21:19,940 --> 00:21:22,919 Speaker 7: calling me to love better this week? How is my 330 00:21:22,960 --> 00:21:26,100 Speaker 7: love on mission? Am I actively looking for ways to 331 00:21:26,180 --> 00:21:28,320 Speaker 7: share God's love with those who don't know Him yet? 332 00:21:28,980 --> 00:21:31,879 Speaker 7: How can I be more intentional in living out this mission? 333 00:21:32,760 --> 00:21:35,330 Speaker 7: As we go about our week, let's keep these three 334 00:21:35,400 --> 00:21:38,889 Speaker 7: loves at the forefront of our minds. Because when we 335 00:21:38,910 --> 00:21:43,750 Speaker 7: get these right, everything else falls into place. Let's love God, 336 00:21:44,290 --> 00:21:46,650 Speaker 7: love one another, and love on mission.