Matthew 22:34-40
First Week – Trap #1 (Political)
Last Week – Trap #2 (Theological)
Trap #3 – The Greatest Commandment (Legal)
. Gracious invitations to the same people seeking to kill Him.
. The very essence of what it means to be a Christian.
1. The Question That Challenges Jesus – Vs. 34-36
. Pharisee – A lawyer and professional scholar of the Law (Scribe)
. . Mark 12:32-34 – He was close and sincere, but still testing Jesus – Mark 12:35
. . The Pharisees loved to debate this question
. Proverbs 3:5-6, Habakkuk 2:4
. . Matthew 23:23 – Weighty vs. lighter
2. The Answer That Summarizes the Law – Vs. 37-40
.A. A. Love the Lord – Vs. 37-38
. . Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18, John 14:15
. . Complete allegiance, total devotion
. . . Defines the greatest sin – not loving God with the fullness of your being
. . . This is not radical. It is normal Christianity
. . . Revelation 2:4-5 – Solution: Remember, Repent, Return
. B. Love your neighbor
. . . This is a natural outflow of the love of God
. . . Galatians 5:14, James 2:8, 1 John 3:16-17, 4:8
. . . Who is my neighbor? Every single person you come in contact with – Luke 10:29
. . . Matthew 5:44, Colossians 3:14
Every single failure of God’s Law is a failure to love
Realize Who He is