God’s Saving Word: Wisdom

Introduction

Matthew 22:34-46: Certain religious leaders continue to challenge Jesus’s authority and question him about the Messiah. A teacher of the Law seeks to trap Jesus by asking him to state what he believes is the greatest commandment.

Scripture Reading

The Great Commandment

34 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they came together, 35 and one of them, a teacher of the Law, tried to trap him with a question. 36 “Teacher,” he asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and the most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ 40 The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

The Question about the Messiah

41 When some Pharisees gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose descendant is he?”

“He is David’s descendant,” they answered.

43 “Why, then,” Jesus asked, “did the Spirit inspire David to call him ‘Lord’? David said,

44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    Sit here at my right side
    until I put your enemies under your feet.’

45 If, then, David called him ‘Lord,’ how can the Messiah be David’s descendant?”

46 No one was able to give Jesus any answer, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 22:37

Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”

Reflect

How did Jesus respond to the teacher of the Law who questioned him about the greatest commandment? Do you have any faith-related questions? If so, to whom or where do you turn to seek answers?

Pray

Lord God, I seek to love you with all my heart, soul, and mind and to love my neighbor as myself. May all I do and say today reflect my love for you and a love for others as you have taught. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Matthew 25:1-13: By means of a parable, Jesus teaches about being watchful and ready to greet him when he returns.