In Matthew 22:34–40, Jesus teaches the greatest commandment as a fundamental lesson of love and faith. This passage is a key teaching moment where Jesus instructs on what truly matters. Jesus teaches the greatest commandment by emphasizing love for God and neighbor.
When you align your life with love, you fulfill God’s law. Understanding the importance is part of Jesus’ teachings about the greatest commandment.
Jesus was asked a legal question, but He gave a relational answer that transformed our understanding of the entire Word of God. This response shows how Jesus teaches the greatest commandment by connecting it to love.
Matthew 22:34–40 (NASB 2020)
34 But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him: 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- A Pharisee lawyer, attempting to test Him
- The larger group of Pharisees, observing closely
- The listening crowd, including disciples
- Us today, to show what really matters in God’s kingdom
What Happened?
- After silencing the Sadducees, Jesus was tested again by a Pharisee
- The lawyer asked about the greatest commandment
- Jesus answered with two commandments from the Old Testament:
- Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Deuteronomy 6:5)
- Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18)
- He declared that all Scripture hangs on these two truths
The Mood: Tense, Bold, Transformative
- The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus legally
- Jesus boldly refocused the discussion on love
- The crowd was likely deeply moved by this clarity and power
The Principle: Love Is the Law and the Fulfillment
- Everything in the Bible points to these two commands
- Love for God must be whole-hearted, undivided, and primary
- Love for others reflects the love we receive from God
- Living by love is living in alignment with heaven
Audience Response (Then)
- The lawyer had no rebuttal
- Jesus’ wisdom again silenced the Pharisees
- The people were likely convicted and awakened to a higher standard
What This Means for Us in 2025
In a world divided by opinions, noise, and self-focus:
- God is still calling His people to prioritize love
- If you’re confused by what to do next, start with love
- When we love God fully, our values shift
- When we love others rightly, our witness becomes powerful
Action Steps for Today
- Do a heart check. Are you loving God with all of you?
- Practice love intentionally. Forgive, encourage, give, serve.
- See people through God’s eyes. Every interaction is a chance to love.
- Align your habits. Let love lead your choices, words, and time.
- Memorize these verses. Let them shape your worldview.
Final Prayer
Father, help me to love You with my entire being. Let my heart, soul, and mind be wholly Yours. And let that love overflow to those around me. Teach me to walk in love—honest, lasting, and holy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
When you walk in love, you walk in the fullness of God’s purpose. Understanding that Jesus teaches the greatest commandment leads us to this fullness.
