One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31)
The vital importance of Bible Study will have been made clear in the background information you reviewed on the 40 Days of Discipline website last week. Instead of repeating the information which you can read at your leisure on the website (www.40daysofdiscipline.com), we will spend the next four days studying two passages of scripture to examine the importance of Bible Study to our love for God and others. Remember, Love is our overriding theme as we try to make the Disciplines a part of our lives.
It should come as no surprise that the commandments Jesus considered the greatest are about love. Jesus’ thoughts are captured in Mark 12:28-31 (reflected above for your convenience). Please prayerfully read and think about this short passage and then answer today’s questions.
Today’s Questions for comments:
Consider this command in the passage “Love the Lord your God” and answer the following questions:
- What is it about God that compels you to love him?
- How do you think love for God and knowledge of God work together?
Please share your thoughts on any or all the questions.