The One: AdventSample

When Jesus is asked about the most important command in the Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible, he answers by quoting from the ancient prayer known as the Shema, “love the Lord your God with all of your heart.” But that’s not all. Jesus quickly follows up by saying that another command from the Hebrew Bible is also the most important, “love your neighbor as yourself.” So which is most important? For Jesus, both are vital because the first command cannot be obeyed without heeding the second. They are inseparable. A person’s love for God is expressed by their love for others.

Read:

Mark 12:29-31, Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18

Reflect:

Pay attention to what Jesus says after quoting from the Hebrew Bible. What questions, thoughts, or feelings come up for you as you reflect on his words?

Review the passages from Deuteronomy and Leviticus. What do you observe? How does this impact you today?

Turn your reflections into a prayer to God from your heart.