The hard questions keep on coming for Jesus. I know when I have an audience with Jesus, I’m going to have all sorts of questions. I will seek clarification about creation and affirmation of my beliefs. I can’t imagine trying to trick Jesus.
It was helpful to hear how Jesus responded to the topic of resurrection. Except when we are in church or talking about our forever home with Jesus, the word “resurrection” doesn’t come up much in everyday conversation. It was interesting to me that it was a Sadducee who asked the question about resurrection, something they don’t even believe exists.
We got a little glimpse of heaven directly from Jesus. We won’t be married there. Jesus doesn’t say we won’t see our spouses or loved ones; we just won’t be connected in the same way. Maybe that’s why Jesus is described in other texts as the bridegroom, and his bride is the church. We are all the church, the bride devoted to our bridegroom, Jesus. Our devotion to others pales in comparison. (See Ephesians 5:22-33.)
When it comes to the law, it makes sense that the teachers of the law would chime in with questions. They wanted clarity about God’s commandments to his people. Jesus’ response is helpful for us in navigating our own faith journey. We want to draw closer to Jesus, not farther away by our disobedience.
Now that we know which two are the most important commandments to God, how does our behavior change? Our response is reflected in our allegiance to him, our praise and worship, as well as loving others as we love ourselves. I wish that everyone had gotten this “memo.” Our world would look a lot different if everyone embodied these commandments and took them seriously. What I see infesting our world today is selfishness, with a greater focus on self than on God. These commandments could help us stabilize society and encourage righteous living.
Jesus handled these questions with ease. Sometimes we get tongue-tied when non-believers ask us questions about faith or the Bible. It’s in those moments we need to stop, get out of our own way, and call on Jesus to speak through us. Our own failings keep us stuck, thinking we need to be eloquent like Jesus was. We don’t. We can use Jesus’ words and share them.
Spending time in God’s Word every day equips us for those moments. We may not recite verses from memory, but we begin to recall stories, examples, and Bible passages that can speak to our hurts, our confusion, or the needs of others.
Take some time today to think through these two commandments and how they play out in your life. What is one change or adjustment you can make today to be more loving toward God or another human being?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for equipping me with the truth of your Word to face the challenges of each day. Help me do a better job at loving you and those around me. I want to step out of my comfort zone and speak your truth and shine your light for all to see. I pray for this world and all who are far from you. I pray that we can love them back into the family of God together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
