Friday, June 23, 2023
This past week, we have been exploring the “Parable of the Lost (or Prodigal) Son.” If I’m honest, I would identify most consistently with the older brother. I have lived a “good” life by most accounts. From the outside, I don’t have a list of obvious sins following me around and I try to do the right things. But the truth is, I’m not perfect. I have an internal sin problem, just like everyone else.
When I look at Jesus, I see myself for who I really am. I see how far short I fall compared to the life he is calling me to live. I am proud and lose my temper. I want things my way and, at times, don't really care who I have to bulldoze to get it. I even fall into the trap of being thankful I’m not as bad as “those” people. I don’t love God as I should, and sometimes, I don’t really like most people that much.
Matthew 22:37-40
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
This command would have been one that any good Jew would have committed to memory from an early age. Loving God with their whole selves meant following the Law of Moses. They assumed their “neighbor” was another Jew who was as upright as they were. But with Jesus, everything was turned upside down. He mingled and ate with sinners. He touched sick people. And the stories he was telling were confusing and insulting. The “good” Jews (the older brothers in the crowd) were left wondering what was happening. On top of all that, Jesus was claiming to be their promised Messiah, which definitely did not seem right. Who was this man, and why was he ruining everything?
We, too, are often confused with what this commandment means. How do we love God with our whole selves? Is there a list of rules found in the Bible? If I read my Bible, pray, and serve others, am I loving God? We can again look to Jesus for the answer.
Jesus didn’t have a list of things he checked off to show his love for the Father, yet we know he studied Scripture and prayed regularly. His love for the Father was revealed in his submission, his humility, and his obedience. He loved people even when they were unlovable. But his love for people did not leave them lost in their sin. He challenged them to submit their every desire to God. In humility and submission, they could break free from the slavery of sin and, in turn, find freedom in him.
His message is the same for us today. We love God by submitting our every desire to him. We show others God’s love by caring for them no matter what baggage they carry. Yet, we also encourage them to surrender to God and what he says is right. In doing these things, we love God and love others.
Questions:
What do you think it means to love God with all of your heart, all of your soul and all of your mind?
Can you see the connection between love for God and submission to his word?
Next Steps:
Memorize Matthew 22:37-40. Think about what it means to love God with your entire self. When you come to an area of your life that seems too hard to give up, pray that God will give you the strength to submit it to him.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Jesus who perfectly demonstrated what it looks like to live a life fully devoted to you. Thank you for showing me what it looks like to love you and love others. Forgive me for the times when I prioritize my own sinful desires over fellowship with you. Help me to love others as you loved me. Give me a gracious spirit that loves without pride. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Ecclesiastes 9:17
“Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.”