Having heard Jesus speak the parable of the wedding banquet against them (Matthew 22:1-14), the Pharisees now shift from intent to action, laying out their plans to “trap him in his words”. Having responded to their question regarding the imperial tax (from the Pharisee’s disciples) and then the Sadducees’ question regarding marriage at the resurrection, the two groups now conspire to entrap Jesus. Whilst the groups had many differences, their shared contempt for Jesus now outweighs any other theological points of contention between them! It’s a case of when, ‘your enemy’s enemy becomes your friend’. United in mission, they now test Jesus with what was a commonly debated question at the time: “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law”? It’s uncertain what the religious leaders were hoping for, but part of their plan may have been to push Jesus to dismiss the place of the Law. But of course, Jesus does nothing of the sort, and instead turns their question around to demonstrate that the Law shows them that the problem here is not with him, but with their hearts!

Quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, to love God and love your neighbour, Jesus makes the point that these are not only at the centre of the Law and the Prophets, but that it’s in him that this is perfectly fulfilled. Of course, all of Jesus’ ministry has demonstrated that very claim. Whilst in contrast, the behaviour of the religious authorities has demonstrated that they’re far more concerned with an outward appearance of law-fulfilment, rather than a genuine loving of God and others. This is both reassuring and challenging news! That our God is concerned not merely with an outward projected image of goodness, but the sincere condition of our hearts! Our God is not interested in how much we fake, but a life that genuinely reflects a love for him and for others. AL

Questions

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you so much that you are not merely concerned with what is superficial, but the genuineness of our hearts. Please forgive us for the times we fall short. Please help us to grow in a sincere love for you and for our neighbours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.