Sunday 29 October 2023

Psalm 1

 Background

This passage of scripture comes towards the end of one of the most momentous days of teaching from Jesus recorded in the gospels. And it’s also the final day of teaching that he delivered before his death. All this happened on the Tuesday of Passion Week.He spent Wednesday with his disciples at the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany, just outside Jerusalem. And on the Thursday he want back to the capital, Jerusalem, to celebrate the Passover meal, before undergoing his arrest, trial and eventual crucifixion.

So being the final day of teaching, Matthew is keen to record a lot of what takes place. Jesus' teaching prior to this passage is a combination of parables, mainly criticising the Temple authorities for not being faithful to the responsibilities God had given them (see the previous parables of the two sons, the wicked tenants and the wedding banquet in Matthew 21). In return the Temple authorities lay traps to try to embarrass Jesus in front of the crowds, with seemingly unanswerable questions (about his authority, paying taxes, and marriage in the afterlife).

Jesus has superbly navigated all these traps, managing to give honest answers while not losing face in front of the crowd. And then someone asks the first genuine question of the day. The expert in the law is impressed with Jesus’ answers and is genuinely curious when he asks Jesus which is the greatest commandment.

Jesus’ response (like so many of the answers he gives to questions posed to him) refers back to scripture, and the declaration of faith from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. It’s an incredibly powerful statement. When we truly do love God with every fibre of our being – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually – we will find ourselves following all the other requirements of living the life of faith. It will cause us to love our neighbours, to share the gospel with others, and live the life God requires of us.

I find it such a shame that after this no one dares ask Jesus any further questions. I want this day and this dialogue to continue, with others asking genuine questions, and Jesus giving comprehensive answers. I would have loved it if people asked questions on predestination, on suffering, on why not every prayer is answered or sick person is healed… Jesus welcomes our genuine questions, and is not offended when we ask about things we don’t understand regarding our faith.

To Ponder:

• If someone asked you "What is the most important thing about being a Christian?" how would you respond?
• If you could ask Jesus any question, what would you ask him?
• What does it look like for you in practical terms to love God with your whole heart, soul and mind?
• Who is a neighbour that you can show love to this week?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to love you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Help us to love you and follow you over and above anyone or anything else. And help us to love our neighbours in the same way that you love them. Amen.