In both Matthew 22:35–40 and Luke 10:25–37, we see the well-known words of Jesus—or a lawyer—declaring that loving God and loving others are the greatest commandments. At first glance, the differences might seem confusing. In one, Jesus says it. In the other, a lawyer says it. So what gives?
The good news is: these aren’t contradictions—they are complementary perspectives, each revealing a deeper layer of spiritual truth. When studied side by side, they help us move from head knowledge to heart transformation.
Let’s walk through both accounts and discover the life-changing truth behind them.
Matthew 22: Jesus Answers with Authority
In Matthew’s Gospel, a lawyer approaches Jesus and asks:
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
— Matthew 22:36 (NASB)
This wasn’t a sincere question. The lawyer was testing Jesus, trying to trap Him in theological debate. However, Jesus, full of wisdom and grace, responds directly:
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”
— Matthew 22:37–40 (NASB)
Here, Jesus summarizes the entire Law in two statements. Nothing more. Nothing less.
He doesn’t argue. He doesn’t get defensive. Instead, He refocuses the crowd on God’s heart: that everything flows from love—for Him and others.
Luke 10: The Lawyer Gives the Answer
Now let’s look at Luke 10:25–37. A similar scene unfolds, but with a striking twist:
“And behold, a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’”
— Luke 10:25 (NASB)
But this time, Jesus flips the script. Rather than answering, He asks:
“What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?”
And the lawyer answers:
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’”
Jesus affirms him:
“You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”
Yet the lawyer, seeking to justify himself, presses further: “Who is my neighbor?”
This leads to Jesus telling the Parable of the Good Samaritan, one of the most powerful illustrations of sacrificial love in all of Scripture.
Why the Difference?
At first, it seems like a discrepancy. However, when viewed together, these two passages complement each other beautifully.
| Element | Matthew 22 | Luke 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Question | “Which is the greatest commandment?” | “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” |
| Speaker of the Commandments | Jesus | The lawyer (Jesus affirms) |
| Method | Direct response | Socratic-style dialogue |
| Outcome | Ends the debate | Launches into a parable |
| Audience | Pharisees testing Him | A single lawyer seeking self-justification |
In Matthew, Jesus is confronting religious legalism head-on. In Luke, He is drawing out the heart of a man who knows the truth, but isn’t living it.
Both moments teach us something crucial: Knowing the right answer isn’t enough. We must live it.
What This Teaches Us Today
1. Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law
Everything God commands flows from love. If your theology, doctrine, or “Christian living” lacks love, it misses the point entirely.
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.”
— Romans 13:10
2. Love for God Must Express Itself in Love for People
You can’t claim to love God while harboring bitterness, unforgiveness, or indifference toward others.
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar.”
— 1 John 4:20
3. Love Is More Than a Feeling—It’s an Action
Jesus didn’t just teach love. He lived it. And through the story of the Good Samaritan, He challenges us to do the same—even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or costly.
Reflection Questions:
- Am I truly loving God with all my heart, soul, and mind—or just in part?
- Is my love for people consistent with the way Christ loves me?
- Who is the “neighbor” I’ve been avoiding that God may be calling me to love?
Final Encouragement
God doesn’t just call us to believe rightly—He calls us to love deeply. Whether He’s teaching directly (Matthew) or drawing truth out of our own lips (Luke), His message is the same:
“Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Let this be more than a memory verse. Let it be your daily mission.
