Matthew 22:34-46 | Romans 12:18-21 | Gospels in Lent Track: Luke 3-5
At this point, both the Pharisees and the Sadducees have independently and unsuccessfully tried to catch Jesus in a trap of some sort. Now they’ll get together for one last attempt in tripping him up.
Not only are they unsuccessful in doing so, Jesus takes the opportunity to deliver one of the most simple yet central aspects of his teaching (which is really a re-affirmation of the spirit of the Law).
What a way to not only defeat an enemy, but to turn the situation into a positive.
Matthew 22:34-46
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had left the Sadducees speechless, they met together. One of them, a legal expert, tested him. “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
He replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”
Now as the Pharisees were gathering, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”
“David’s son,” they replied.
He said, “Then how is it that David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, called him Lord when he said, The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right side until I turn your enemies into your footstool’? If David calls him Lord, how can he be David’s son?” Nobody was able to answer him. And from that day forward nobody dared to ask him anything.
Romans 12:18-21
If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.
Prayer
God,
Save us from mediocrity today. Unless it be your will that we sit in laziness, apathy, and boring indecisiveness, move us to action. Help us face situations today with discernment and the certainty that we are your works, designed to be creatures of action and purpose. Keep us from things that don’t matter. Save us from activities that rot our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. Help us to live with the mindful intentionality of Christ whether we’re a CEO, giving someone CPR, making a million dollar purchase or whether we’re mopping a floor, putting gas in a car, or eating an apple. In all things, make us thoughtful lovers of truth and truthful practitioners of love. Save us from being boring, for your Kingdom, which is for us, who are for you. By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.