1 00:00:00,520 --> 00:00:03,320 Speaker 1: He said to him, You shall love the Lord your 2 00:00:03,360 --> 00:00:05,939 Speaker 1: God with all your heart and with all your soul 3 00:00:06,400 --> 00:00:12,879 Speaker 1: and with all your mind. Matthew 22, 37 Heavenly Father, 4 00:00:14,090 --> 00:00:18,050 Speaker 1: we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for 5 00:00:18,090 --> 00:00:22,730 Speaker 1: your unending love and grace. Thank you for the countless 6 00:00:22,790 --> 00:00:27,030 Speaker 1: blessings you bestow upon us daily, for your presence in 7 00:00:27,090 --> 00:00:33,379 Speaker 1: our lives, and for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Lord, 8 00:00:33,440 --> 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 00:00:43,840 --> 00:00:48,260 Speaker 1: Teach us to love you with all our heart, soul, 11 00:00:48,800 --> 00:00:54,010 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 00:00:58,210 --> 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 00:01:07,350 --> 00:01:11,310 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 --> 00:01:21,649 Speaker 1: spreading your light and grace to all those around us. 18 00:01:22,520 --> 00:01:24,180 Speaker 1: In Jesus' name we pray. 19 00:01:25,000 --> 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 00:01:37,370 --> 00:01:41,970 Speaker 1: and encourage. Be sure to follow this podcast on whatever 23 00:01:42,050 --> 00:01:47,490 Speaker 1: platform you're listening to. The disciples were seated along the 24 00:01:47,530 --> 00:01:52,290 Speaker 1: banks of the Brook Kidron. They mindlessly skipped rocks down 25 00:01:52,350 --> 00:01:56,810 Speaker 1: the trickling stream. That morning, Jesus had two separate encounters 26 00:01:56,860 --> 00:02:01,120 Speaker 1: with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Both groups had given their 27 00:02:01,160 --> 00:02:05,240 Speaker 1: best attempt at trapping Jesus in his words, but to 28 00:02:05,280 --> 00:02:09,160 Speaker 1: no surprise to the disciples, Jesus had held his ground 29 00:02:09,960 --> 00:02:13,370 Speaker 1: and walked away victorious. In the afternoon shade of the 30 00:02:13,430 --> 00:02:16,829 Speaker 1: trees that lined the valley, they were able to let 31 00:02:16,870 --> 00:02:21,290 Speaker 1: their minds and bodies rest. They always looked forward to 32 00:02:21,330 --> 00:02:24,549 Speaker 1: moments of reprieve from the crowds and religious leaders. 33 00:02:25,250 --> 00:02:28,500 Speaker 3: I tell you, Nathaniel, I don't know how he does it. 34 00:02:29,080 --> 00:02:31,239 Speaker 3: First he puts the Pharisees in their place over a 35 00:02:31,280 --> 00:02:34,830 Speaker 3: matter of taxes, and then, without skipping a beat, he 36 00:02:35,030 --> 00:02:38,850 Speaker 3: flawlessly answers the Sadducees' questions on marriage and the resurrection, 37 00:02:38,870 --> 00:02:41,910 Speaker 3: when they don't even believe in the resurrection. 38 00:02:42,450 --> 00:02:45,610 Speaker 4: Yes, Matthew, it really is a wonder how he keeps 39 00:02:45,669 --> 00:02:50,070 Speaker 4: such a commanding knowledge of Scripture. And no, that's not 40 00:02:50,110 --> 00:02:51,570 Speaker 4: a knock against Nazareth. 41 00:02:52,190 --> 00:02:56,169 Speaker 1: Nathaniel glanced at James and John. who were just about 42 00:02:56,270 --> 00:02:59,870 Speaker 1: to jab at Nathaniel's former thoughts of Jesus' hometown. 43 00:03:00,350 --> 00:03:03,769 Speaker 4: All I'm saying is that he grew up as a carpenter, 44 00:03:04,250 --> 00:03:07,820 Speaker 4: yet he teaches better than any rabbi I've ever heard. 45 00:03:08,300 --> 00:03:12,000 Speaker 5: Not to mention Jesus teaches differently than any rabbi we've 46 00:03:12,139 --> 00:03:12,700 Speaker 5: ever heard. 47 00:03:13,220 --> 00:03:15,820 Speaker 1: Andrew glanced down at the rock he had just plucked 48 00:03:15,880 --> 00:03:20,610 Speaker 1: from the water. The stone was smooth and flat, slowly 49 00:03:20,750 --> 00:03:24,149 Speaker 1: shaped by the steady but constant beat of the brook. 50 00:03:24,750 --> 00:03:28,330 Speaker 1: He cast it out and watched it skid across the 51 00:03:28,370 --> 00:03:28,930 Speaker 1: murky water. 52 00:03:29,330 --> 00:03:33,090 Speaker 5: I mean, I definitely never expected life to look the 53 00:03:33,130 --> 00:03:36,190 Speaker 5: way it is. I always assumed Peter and I would 54 00:03:36,290 --> 00:03:39,600 Speaker 5: die out at sea as fishermen, and sooner rather than 55 00:03:39,660 --> 00:03:41,780 Speaker 5: later with how bad our catches are becoming. 56 00:03:42,160 --> 00:03:47,880 Speaker 1: Peter laughed at his brother. He nodded his head in agreement. He, 57 00:03:47,960 --> 00:03:51,500 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 00:03:55,620 --> 00:03:58,660 Speaker 1: to give up. Now he wasn't even going by the 60 00:03:58,720 --> 00:04:03,150 Speaker 1: same name he had just a few years earlier. He 61 00:04:03,230 --> 00:04:07,730 Speaker 1: felt like an altogether new person in more ways than one. 62 00:04:08,610 --> 00:04:13,660 Speaker 1: The love Jesus had shown him had changed his heart forever. 63 00:04:16,960 --> 00:04:20,239 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 00:04:24,279 --> 00:04:29,140 Speaker 6: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 66 00:04:29,300 --> 00:04:35,760 Speaker 6: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. 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These 76 00:05:20,560 --> 00:05:22,770 Speaker 7: are the pillars that hold the body of Christ up. 77 00:05:23,510 --> 00:05:27,710 Speaker 7: This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today, 78 00:05:27,850 --> 00:05:31,270 Speaker 7: we continue through our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status 79 00:05:31,310 --> 00:05:32,750 Speaker 7: quo and showing us a. 80 00:05:32,790 --> 00:05:33,650 Speaker 1: New way to live. 81 00:05:34,130 --> 00:05:38,010 Speaker 7: This series showcases Jesus' teachings and passion, and we'll learn 82 00:05:38,050 --> 00:05:41,289 Speaker 7: about God's heart for people and His kingdom. Today, we're 83 00:05:41,310 --> 00:05:44,270 Speaker 7: diving into one of the most profound and beautiful teachings 84 00:05:44,310 --> 00:05:49,970 Speaker 7: of Jesus found in Matthew 22, verses 34-40. This passage 85 00:05:50,029 --> 00:05:52,550 Speaker 7: captures the essence of what it means to live a 86 00:05:52,610 --> 00:05:55,730 Speaker 7: life that truly honors God. And the beauty of it 87 00:05:56,010 --> 00:05:58,590 Speaker 7: is that it all boils down to three simple yet 88 00:05:58,810 --> 00:06:03,710 Speaker 7: deeply challenging loves. Love God, love one another, and love 89 00:06:03,850 --> 00:06:04,330 Speaker 7: on mission. 90 00:06:06,850 --> 00:06:10,050 Speaker 1: In the heart of Jerusalem, a group of Pharisees were 91 00:06:10,110 --> 00:06:14,210 Speaker 1: gathering together in one of their homes. The house smelled 92 00:06:14,270 --> 00:06:18,430 Speaker 1: of burning incense, tapestries from different parts of the world, 93 00:06:18,910 --> 00:06:22,750 Speaker 1: were neatly placed on the walls around the house. The 94 00:06:22,790 --> 00:06:27,089 Speaker 1: men were pacing around the room, engrossed in a deep 95 00:06:27,230 --> 00:06:31,710 Speaker 1: conversation concerning Jesus and the work he was doing. 96 00:06:32,440 --> 00:06:36,820 Speaker 2: Well, I can't say I'm not surprised he bested the Sadducees. 97 00:06:37,520 --> 00:06:42,380 Speaker 2: They've been lacking as of late. They actually thought they 98 00:06:42,400 --> 00:06:45,600 Speaker 2: could trap Jesus and prove their crazy notion that there 99 00:06:45,660 --> 00:06:46,720 Speaker 2: is no resurrection. 100 00:06:46,740 --> 00:06:47,820 Speaker 5: Yes, but. 101 00:06:49,180 --> 00:06:53,200 Speaker 8: That's not our concern. Our real concern is that he 102 00:06:53,300 --> 00:06:57,620 Speaker 8: bested the Sadducees and us on the same day. 103 00:06:57,640 --> 00:07:03,570 Speaker 1: A third Pharisee confidently broke into the conversations. Benjamin had 104 00:07:03,670 --> 00:07:07,870 Speaker 1: come from a long line of Pharisees and couldn't stand 105 00:07:07,910 --> 00:07:11,850 Speaker 1: the thought of a singular man being the reason for 106 00:07:11,930 --> 00:07:15,830 Speaker 1: their biggest problems. He had a plan to end it. 107 00:07:16,450 --> 00:07:20,410 Speaker 8: You both are missing the point. This is only a 108 00:07:20,460 --> 00:07:25,250 Speaker 8: problem if we let it remain one. I, for one, 109 00:07:25,330 --> 00:07:29,710 Speaker 8: will not idly stand by as a blasphemer and false 110 00:07:29,810 --> 00:07:34,170 Speaker 8: teacher parades around Israel making a mockery of everything we 111 00:07:34,290 --> 00:07:38,790 Speaker 8: stand for. For generations we've protected the name of Adonai 112 00:07:39,130 --> 00:07:43,110 Speaker 8: and brought honor to him. My father and his forefathers 113 00:07:43,510 --> 00:07:46,570 Speaker 8: were some of the greatest Pharisees in the Lion's history. 114 00:07:47,560 --> 00:07:50,960 Speaker 8: And I will not see the day that I falter 115 00:07:51,020 --> 00:07:53,100 Speaker 8: in this most noble of callings. 116 00:07:53,620 --> 00:07:57,660 Speaker 1: The Pharisee made articulate hand gestures as he stormed around 117 00:07:57,700 --> 00:08:02,230 Speaker 1: the room. His monologue seemed to be captivating his audience, 118 00:08:03,050 --> 00:08:04,430 Speaker 1: so he carried on. 119 00:08:04,870 --> 00:08:08,050 Speaker 8: He claims to be a teacher of the law, but 120 00:08:08,110 --> 00:08:12,770 Speaker 8: on whose authority? His credibility is thin, at best insidious. 121 00:08:13,430 --> 00:08:16,990 Speaker 8: And these parables are always talking in riddles. 122 00:08:17,630 --> 00:08:17,970 Speaker 9: Why? 123 00:08:17,990 --> 00:08:22,450 Speaker 8: Because he doesn't want anyone to realize he's a fraud. 124 00:08:23,350 --> 00:08:26,470 Speaker 8: But if he wants to be seen as a harbinger 125 00:08:26,530 --> 00:08:30,530 Speaker 8: of truth, let's give him the opportunity. 126 00:08:31,350 --> 00:08:34,450 Speaker 1: His finger wrapped lightly on the walking stick in his hand. 127 00:08:35,350 --> 00:08:37,470 Speaker 1: He wrapped the end of it on the ground as 128 00:08:37,530 --> 00:08:42,059 Speaker 1: if in frustration. All a show. to capture the ears 129 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:43,370 Speaker 1: of the other Pharisees. 130 00:08:44,210 --> 00:08:49,589 Speaker 8: You see, I have studied the law with exceptional scrutiny. 131 00:08:50,470 --> 00:08:53,970 Speaker 8: There is no commandment I do not have memorized, and 132 00:08:54,050 --> 00:08:58,920 Speaker 8: no edict, rule, or mitzvah I cannot recite. If Jesus 133 00:08:58,980 --> 00:09:02,120 Speaker 8: of Nazareth believes he knows the law better than us, 134 00:09:03,040 --> 00:09:05,920 Speaker 8: let him prove it. I was there when he answered 135 00:09:05,950 --> 00:09:12,250 Speaker 8: the Sadducees. He will undoubtedly be tired after this morning's questioning. 136 00:09:12,970 --> 00:09:15,750 Speaker 8: Maybe the pressure from another visit will play in our favor. 137 00:09:16,429 --> 00:09:19,050 Speaker 8: We shall find him and put him to the ultimate 138 00:09:19,110 --> 00:09:25,900 Speaker 8: test regarding the law. If he can't produce an adequate answer, 139 00:09:26,679 --> 00:09:29,979 Speaker 8: we'll make our move to deface him in the public's eyes. 140 00:09:30,620 --> 00:09:32,580 Speaker 1: The Pharisee looked to his compatriots. 141 00:09:33,210 --> 00:09:37,090 Speaker 8: The ministry of Jesus will come to an end. 142 00:09:40,510 --> 00:09:43,830 Speaker 1: Jesus made his way down the Mount of Olives after 143 00:09:43,890 --> 00:09:49,059 Speaker 1: spending the afternoon in prayer. His face was turned toward Jerusalem. 144 00:09:49,960 --> 00:09:53,500 Speaker 1: He beheld the city walls off in the distance, the 145 00:09:53,540 --> 00:09:58,770 Speaker 1: temple's point visible against the blue skyline. Days before, he 146 00:09:58,809 --> 00:10:02,300 Speaker 1: had been welcomed into the city as a king. But 147 00:10:02,340 --> 00:10:05,880 Speaker 1: he knew the days ahead would be long and arduous. 148 00:10:06,960 --> 00:10:11,010 Speaker 1: For that reason, he dedicated as much time to being 149 00:10:11,090 --> 00:10:15,050 Speaker 1: with the father as he could. Descending from the mountains, 150 00:10:15,770 --> 00:10:19,480 Speaker 1: Jesus spotted the disciples traipsing along the banks of the 151 00:10:19,520 --> 00:10:24,340 Speaker 1: brook Kidron, headed toward Jerusalem. Jesus quickened his pace to 152 00:10:24,400 --> 00:10:27,480 Speaker 1: catch up with them. He reached them just as the 153 00:10:27,520 --> 00:10:31,510 Speaker 1: disciples were entering the city gates. They were glad to 154 00:10:31,530 --> 00:10:35,510 Speaker 1: see him well, and seemingly unfazed by his run-ins with 155 00:10:35,530 --> 00:10:36,970 Speaker 1: the Pharisees and Sadducees. 156 00:10:37,570 --> 00:10:39,530 Speaker 7: Master, perfect timing. 157 00:10:39,550 --> 00:10:44,099 Speaker 9: I hope your afternoon was a little more relaxing than 158 00:10:44,130 --> 00:10:46,929 Speaker 9: this morning. We were just on our way back into 159 00:10:46,950 --> 00:10:50,730 Speaker 9: the city. Judas mentioned we needed to restock supplies before 160 00:10:50,770 --> 00:10:53,370 Speaker 9: heading to camp. Would you care to join us? 161 00:10:53,850 --> 00:10:57,030 Speaker 10: I would be delighted to, though I don't know if 162 00:10:57,090 --> 00:10:58,209 Speaker 10: we'll be alone for long. 163 00:10:58,710 --> 00:11:02,829 Speaker 1: Jesus pointed ahead of the group. Making their way dutifully 164 00:11:02,890 --> 00:11:06,490 Speaker 1: to Jesus and the disciples was a band of Pharisees. 165 00:11:07,309 --> 00:11:13,000 Speaker 1: Their clean, blue-fringed robes and white tunics stood out strikingly. 166 00:11:13,500 --> 00:11:17,830 Speaker 1: against the tans and beiges of their surroundings. They had 167 00:11:17,950 --> 00:11:22,490 Speaker 1: calculated the moment they would swoop down on Jesus like 168 00:11:22,550 --> 00:11:26,490 Speaker 1: a murder of crows. Barring him near the city gates 169 00:11:27,150 --> 00:11:31,690 Speaker 1: ensured the maximum number of pilgrims to overhear his humiliation 170 00:11:31,990 --> 00:11:33,010 Speaker 1: before the Pharisees. 171 00:11:33,570 --> 00:11:39,050 Speaker 8: Well, well, well, if it isn't the teacher, Jesus of Nazareth. 172 00:11:39,590 --> 00:11:43,390 Speaker 1: The Pharisees spoke with an indignant air about him. showing 173 00:11:43,530 --> 00:11:46,430 Speaker 1: no attempts at covering the sarcasm of his tone. 174 00:11:47,429 --> 00:11:51,770 Speaker 8: Our sincerest apologies for barraging you once again on this day. 175 00:11:52,230 --> 00:11:55,570 Speaker 1: Jesus showed no sign of taking offense at the Pharisees. 176 00:11:56,150 --> 00:11:57,930 Speaker 1: He gave a pacified smile. 177 00:11:58,550 --> 00:12:01,650 Speaker 10: Oh no, the apology is mine. It appears my teachings 178 00:12:01,670 --> 00:12:05,280 Speaker 10: have become too complex for you to understand. Otherwise, why 179 00:12:05,400 --> 00:12:07,940 Speaker 10: else would you keep coming back with questions? If you 180 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:10,100 Speaker 10: want to be one of my disciples, just say so. 181 00:12:10,720 --> 00:12:14,630 Speaker 1: The disciples looked at each other with raised eyebrows, unable 182 00:12:14,670 --> 00:12:15,790 Speaker 1: to hide their smirks. 183 00:12:16,590 --> 00:12:18,230 Speaker 8: One of your disciples? 184 00:12:18,950 --> 00:12:23,230 Speaker 1: Benjamin looked over Jesus' shoulder at the ragged crew behind him. 185 00:12:23,890 --> 00:12:28,920 Speaker 8: No thanks. I'm not sure we have the right background 186 00:12:29,320 --> 00:12:33,120 Speaker 8: to be one of your followers. However, I will admit 187 00:12:33,179 --> 00:12:35,800 Speaker 8: that you're right in believing we've come to you with 188 00:12:35,980 --> 00:12:36,920 Speaker 8: another question. 189 00:12:37,320 --> 00:12:38,960 Speaker 10: By all means, I'm listening. 190 00:12:39,710 --> 00:12:43,309 Speaker 1: Benjamin feigned mutual respect as he asked his question. 191 00:12:43,970 --> 00:12:49,330 Speaker 8: From one expert of the law to another, please tell 192 00:12:49,429 --> 00:12:53,100 Speaker 8: us what the greatest commandment is in all the laws 193 00:12:53,140 --> 00:12:53,819 Speaker 8: of Moses. 194 00:12:54,600 --> 00:12:59,079 Speaker 1: Jesus pondered the inquiry. For a moment, Benjamin believed he 195 00:12:59,160 --> 00:13:03,059 Speaker 1: had finally bested the rabbi of Nazareth. He was forcing 196 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:07,970 Speaker 1: him into an unwinnable stance, for he perceived Jesus to 197 00:13:08,010 --> 00:13:11,820 Speaker 1: be a breaker of the law. a rogue teacher who 198 00:13:11,960 --> 00:13:13,300 Speaker 1: disrespected Moses. 199 00:13:14,020 --> 00:13:16,900 Speaker 8: Perhaps the question is above you, teacher? 200 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:19,120 Speaker 1: No, no, that's not it at all. 201 00:13:19,460 --> 00:13:22,729 Speaker 10: The answer is clear. I'm just considering the nature of 202 00:13:22,770 --> 00:13:25,830 Speaker 10: your question. Though you have asked this question with guile 203 00:13:25,870 --> 00:13:28,670 Speaker 10: in your heart, I will reply as if an innocent 204 00:13:28,770 --> 00:13:30,250 Speaker 10: child has asked the question. 205 00:13:30,750 --> 00:13:35,000 Speaker 1: Benjamin's eyes narrowed. He learned by now that it was 206 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:39,010 Speaker 1: best to allow Jesus to continue speaking. lest he use 207 00:13:39,050 --> 00:13:40,670 Speaker 1: your own words against you. 208 00:13:41,070 --> 00:13:45,130 Speaker 10: The first and greatest commandment is this. Love the Lord 209 00:13:45,190 --> 00:13:48,609 Speaker 10: your God with all your heart and with all your 210 00:13:48,690 --> 00:13:53,270 Speaker 10: soul and with all your mind. And for extra credit 211 00:13:53,340 --> 00:13:55,900 Speaker 10: on your little test, let me share the second that 212 00:13:55,960 --> 00:14:01,020 Speaker 10: is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. From the 213 00:14:01,059 --> 00:14:04,180 Speaker 10: very first to the very last, all the law and 214 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:07,020 Speaker 10: the prophets hang on these two commandments. 215 00:14:07,850 --> 00:14:12,370 Speaker 1: Benjamin had been right not to speak. There was no 216 00:14:12,429 --> 00:14:17,140 Speaker 1: denying that Jesus' answer was more than sufficient. But his 217 00:14:17,220 --> 00:14:20,720 Speaker 1: hardened shell against the teacher only grew harder. 218 00:14:21,200 --> 00:14:24,040 Speaker 10: Now, from one expert of the law to another, let 219 00:14:24,100 --> 00:14:26,479 Speaker 10: me ask you a question of your interpretation of the 220 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:27,080 Speaker 10: word of God. 221 00:14:28,560 --> 00:14:29,160 Speaker 4: Go on. 222 00:14:29,760 --> 00:14:33,260 Speaker 10: What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he? 223 00:14:33,280 --> 00:14:35,400 Speaker 8: Well, that's easy. The son of David. 224 00:14:36,640 --> 00:14:39,620 Speaker 1: The Pharisee thought he had gotten away with an easy question. 225 00:14:40,620 --> 00:14:43,180 Speaker 1: But Jesus quickly followed up with another. 226 00:14:43,680 --> 00:14:46,750 Speaker 10: How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, 227 00:14:46,850 --> 00:14:49,910 Speaker 10: calls him Lord? For he says, The Lord said to 228 00:14:49,950 --> 00:14:52,590 Speaker 10: my Lord, Sit at my right hand until I put 229 00:14:52,630 --> 00:14:53,690 Speaker 10: your enemies under your feet. 230 00:14:54,450 --> 00:14:57,190 Speaker 1: If then David calls him Lord, how can he be 231 00:14:57,270 --> 00:15:01,140 Speaker 1: his son? Benjamin and the other Pharisees had prepared for this. 232 00:15:01,920 --> 00:15:05,100 Speaker 1: They had always worried that their questions wouldn't be enough 233 00:15:05,140 --> 00:15:08,810 Speaker 1: to trap Jesus. but they didn't expect Jesus to ask 234 00:15:08,850 --> 00:15:13,360 Speaker 1: a question to which they had no reply. This would 235 00:15:13,390 --> 00:15:16,800 Speaker 1: be the last of their questions for Jesus during his ministry. 236 00:15:17,780 --> 00:15:21,940 Speaker 1: The men straightened the collars of their robes, adjusted their headdresses, 237 00:15:22,700 --> 00:15:26,460 Speaker 1: and strode back off towards the temple. They were willing 238 00:15:26,520 --> 00:15:31,140 Speaker 1: to accept their defeat, though the war within them raged on. 239 00:15:31,840 --> 00:15:35,520 Speaker 1: The disciples gawked at the speechless Pharisees making their retreat. 240 00:15:36,230 --> 00:15:39,010 Speaker 1: Peter stepped forward and stood beside Jesus. 241 00:15:39,770 --> 00:15:43,070 Speaker 7: Lord, you have had your fair share of victories over 242 00:15:43,110 --> 00:15:46,990 Speaker 7: the Pharisees, but never have I seen them flee like that. 243 00:15:47,490 --> 00:15:53,000 Speaker 8: I mean, they were speechless. They were actually speechless. 244 00:15:53,500 --> 00:15:57,080 Speaker 1: Jesus chuckled and looked across his shoulder at Peter. Their 245 00:15:57,300 --> 00:16:03,440 Speaker 1: eyes met, and Peter felt overwhelmed. When he looked at Jesus... 246 00:16:03,820 --> 00:16:06,580 Speaker 1: He saw the rabbi who had called him to cast 247 00:16:06,640 --> 00:16:10,500 Speaker 1: his nets again. He saw his master who had given 248 00:16:10,540 --> 00:16:15,090 Speaker 1: him his new name. He saw his Lord whose face 249 00:16:15,130 --> 00:16:19,310 Speaker 1: had shone in magnificent light on the mountain where he 250 00:16:19,350 --> 00:16:24,100 Speaker 1: was transfigured in glory. And now he was reminded that 251 00:16:24,200 --> 00:16:29,620 Speaker 1: Jesus was the Messiah. the Son of David and Lord 252 00:16:30,320 --> 00:16:35,130 Speaker 1: of all. Jesus noticed Peter's prolonged, silent stare. 253 00:16:35,810 --> 00:16:36,850 Speaker 10: Are you all right, Peter? 254 00:16:37,310 --> 00:16:41,430 Speaker 1: Yes, Lord, just thankful. 255 00:16:41,810 --> 00:16:44,030 Speaker 10: For what do you find yourself thankful now, my friend? 256 00:16:44,670 --> 00:16:48,090 Speaker 1: Peter looked at Jesus with a tear in his eye. 257 00:16:48,770 --> 00:16:53,700 Speaker 7: That you would love us as your own. Let's set 258 00:16:53,740 --> 00:16:56,250 Speaker 7: the scene. The religious leaders of the time were not 259 00:16:56,350 --> 00:17:00,900 Speaker 7: exactly Jesus' biggest fans. In fact, they were constantly looking 260 00:17:00,940 --> 00:17:03,000 Speaker 7: for ways to trip him up, to catch him in 261 00:17:03,020 --> 00:17:06,919 Speaker 7: a theological or legal mistake. In this story, the Pharisees, 262 00:17:07,160 --> 00:17:11,160 Speaker 7: having seen Jesus silence the Sadducees, decide to take their shot. 263 00:17:11,560 --> 00:17:14,370 Speaker 7: They send in a lawyer, an expert in the law 264 00:17:14,390 --> 00:17:18,850 Speaker 7: of Moses, to ask Jesus a question, hoping to trap him. Teacher, 265 00:17:19,210 --> 00:17:21,669 Speaker 7: what is the greatest commandment in the law? Matthew 22, 266 00:17:21,650 --> 00:17:26,990 Speaker 7: verse 36. Now, This wasn't just a casual question. The 267 00:17:27,030 --> 00:17:31,630 Speaker 7: Jewish law had 613 commandments, and debates about which were 268 00:17:31,650 --> 00:17:34,970 Speaker 7: the most important were common. If Jesus chose one commandment, 269 00:17:35,310 --> 00:17:38,070 Speaker 7: they thought he might be seen as neglecting others. It 270 00:17:38,109 --> 00:17:41,770 Speaker 7: was a clever trap. But Jesus, in his wisdom, responds 271 00:17:41,810 --> 00:17:45,210 Speaker 7: with the simplicity and depth that only he could provide. 272 00:17:45,760 --> 00:17:48,520 Speaker 7: Jesus replied, You shall love the Lord your God with 273 00:17:48,680 --> 00:17:51,100 Speaker 7: all your heart, with all your soul, and with all 274 00:17:51,140 --> 00:17:56,139 Speaker 7: your mind. This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22, 275 00:17:56,140 --> 00:18:01,100 Speaker 7: verses 37 and 38. Here, Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 6, 276 00:18:01,100 --> 00:18:04,119 Speaker 7: verse 5, a verse that every devout Jew would have 277 00:18:04,160 --> 00:18:08,760 Speaker 7: known by heart. This commandment is about complete, undivided devotion. 278 00:18:09,160 --> 00:18:12,180 Speaker 7: Loving God with all your heart means giving Him your 279 00:18:12,300 --> 00:18:16,040 Speaker 7: deepest affection. Loving God with all your soul means committing 280 00:18:16,080 --> 00:18:19,020 Speaker 7: your entire being to Him. And loving God with all 281 00:18:19,060 --> 00:18:23,720 Speaker 7: your mind means engaging in thoughtful, intentional devotion. But let's 282 00:18:23,760 --> 00:18:26,760 Speaker 7: be honest. Loving God like this is a tall order. 283 00:18:27,200 --> 00:18:30,040 Speaker 7: It's easy to say we love God, but Jesus is 284 00:18:30,100 --> 00:18:33,720 Speaker 7: asking for an all-encompassing love. It's a love that shapes 285 00:18:34,020 --> 00:18:35,540 Speaker 7: every decision, every action. 286 00:18:36,180 --> 00:18:36,740 Speaker 1: Every thought. 287 00:18:37,300 --> 00:18:40,439 Speaker 7: And it's a love that demands our whole selves. As 288 00:18:40,560 --> 00:18:42,980 Speaker 7: one scholar puts it, it is clear enough what it 289 00:18:43,040 --> 00:18:45,780 Speaker 7: means to love the Lord with all we are, though 290 00:18:45,920 --> 00:18:49,550 Speaker 7: it is impossible to do perfectly. Jesus doesn't stop there. 291 00:18:50,200 --> 00:18:53,030 Speaker 7: He says, And the second is like it. You shall 292 00:18:53,050 --> 00:18:58,010 Speaker 7: love your neighbor as yourself Matthew 22, verse 39. Here 293 00:18:58,050 --> 00:19:02,320 Speaker 7: he's quoting from Leviticus 19, verse 18. And this commandment 294 00:19:02,450 --> 00:19:06,720 Speaker 7: is equally profound. Loving your neighbor as yourself doesn't mean 295 00:19:06,760 --> 00:19:10,040 Speaker 7: you have to love yourself before you can love others. Rather, 296 00:19:10,260 --> 00:19:12,859 Speaker 7: it means that in the same way you naturally care 297 00:19:12,900 --> 00:19:15,510 Speaker 7: for your own needs, you should care for the needs 298 00:19:15,550 --> 00:19:18,670 Speaker 7: of others. This is where the rubber meets the road. 299 00:19:19,150 --> 00:19:21,810 Speaker 7: It's easy to say we love God, but how we 300 00:19:21,850 --> 00:19:24,570 Speaker 7: treat others is the true test of that love. Do 301 00:19:24,590 --> 00:19:28,250 Speaker 7: we show patience, kindness, and compassion? Do we seek the 302 00:19:28,310 --> 00:19:32,280 Speaker 7: best for others, even when it's inconvenient for us? Loving 303 00:19:32,359 --> 00:19:36,060 Speaker 7: our neighbor means loving the difficult people, the ones who 304 00:19:36,140 --> 00:19:39,199 Speaker 7: don't love us back, the ones who are different from us. 305 00:19:39,740 --> 00:19:44,449 Speaker 7: It's about loving without conditions, just as God loves us. Finally, 306 00:19:44,730 --> 00:19:48,190 Speaker 7: on these two commandments, Jesus says, hang all the law 307 00:19:48,330 --> 00:19:52,500 Speaker 7: and the prophets. Matthew 2 22, verse 40. In other words, 308 00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:56,440 Speaker 7: everything in Scripture, everything about living a life that pleases God, 309 00:19:56,790 --> 00:20:00,189 Speaker 7: boils down to these two loves. And here's where we 310 00:20:00,230 --> 00:20:03,830 Speaker 7: see the third love, love on mission. When we love 311 00:20:03,910 --> 00:20:07,510 Speaker 7: God and love others, we naturally begin to love what 312 00:20:07,690 --> 00:20:11,209 Speaker 7: God loves. the world He created, and the people He 313 00:20:11,330 --> 00:20:15,260 Speaker 7: longs to save. Our love for God and others compels 314 00:20:15,340 --> 00:20:18,600 Speaker 7: us to share the good news, to go out on mission, 315 00:20:19,020 --> 00:20:21,200 Speaker 7: to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a 316 00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:25,400 Speaker 7: broken world. This love drives us to serve, to sacrifice, 317 00:20:25,780 --> 00:20:29,600 Speaker 7: and to go beyond our comfort zones. Jesus lived out 318 00:20:29,640 --> 00:20:33,570 Speaker 7: this love perfectly. He loved the Father completely. He loved 319 00:20:33,650 --> 00:20:37,469 Speaker 7: people unconditionally, and He was on mission to seek and 320 00:20:37,590 --> 00:20:41,379 Speaker 7: save the lost. And as His followers, we are called 321 00:20:41,410 --> 00:20:44,200 Speaker 7: to do the same. So, what does this look like 322 00:20:44,240 --> 00:20:47,639 Speaker 7: for us today? It's about simplifying our faith down to 323 00:20:48,119 --> 00:20:51,580 Speaker 7: its most essential elements. Sometimes we get caught up in 324 00:20:51,600 --> 00:20:53,580 Speaker 7: all the details of what we think we need to 325 00:20:53,700 --> 00:20:58,170 Speaker 7: do to please God. But Jesus makes it clear. Love God. 326 00:20:58,750 --> 00:21:02,629 Speaker 7: Love one another. Love on mission. Let's take a moment 327 00:21:02,670 --> 00:21:05,970 Speaker 7: to reflect. How is my love for God? Am I 328 00:21:06,070 --> 00:21:08,120 Speaker 7: truly loving Him with all my heart? 329 00:21:08,430 --> 00:21:09,830 Speaker 1: My soul? My mind? 330 00:21:10,490 --> 00:21:12,670 Speaker 7: What are the areas of my life where I'm holding back? 331 00:21:13,430 --> 00:21:15,889 Speaker 7: How is my love for others? Am I loving my 332 00:21:15,970 --> 00:21:19,870 Speaker 7: neighbor as myself, even when it's hard? Who is God 333 00:21:19,950 --> 00:21:23,160 Speaker 7: calling me to love better this week? How's my love 334 00:21:23,240 --> 00:21:26,480 Speaker 7: on mission? Am I actively looking for ways to share 335 00:21:26,540 --> 00:21:27,720 Speaker 7: God's love with those. 336 00:21:27,540 --> 00:21:28,340 Speaker 1: Who don't know Him yet? 337 00:21:28,980 --> 00:21:31,899 Speaker 7: How can I be more intentional in living out this mission? 338 00:21:32,760 --> 00:21:35,340 Speaker 7: As we go about our week, let's keep these three 339 00:21:35,420 --> 00:21:38,909 Speaker 7: loves at the forefront of our minds. Because when we 340 00:21:38,930 --> 00:21:43,730 Speaker 7: get these right, everything else falls into place. Let's love God, 341 00:21:44,290 --> 00:21:46,630 Speaker 7: love one another, and love on mission.