Proof of LifeProof of LifeMatthew 22:34-40Matthew 22:34-40

The ApproachThe Approach

The QuestionThe Question

The AnswerThe Answer

Proof of LifeProof of LifeMatthew 22:34-40Matthew 22:34-40

The ApproachThe Approach

Test #1 – Pharisee’s (political) Test #1 – Pharisee’s (political)

Test #2 – Sadducee’s (theological)Test #2 – Sadducee’s (theological)

Test #3 – Pharisee’s (theological) Test #3 – Pharisee’s (theological)

Proof of LifeProof of LifeMatthew 22:34-40Matthew 22:34-40

The QuestionThe Question they met to confer alone they met to confer alone well respected scribe and expert in well respected scribe and expert in lawlaw honest and humble man; Mark honest and humble man; Mark 12:2812:28 over emphasis on the lawover emphasis on the law therefore Jesus must have own therefore Jesus must have own schemescheme

Proof of LifeProof of LifeMatthew 22:34-40Matthew 22:34-40

The QuestionThe Question “ “Which is the greatest Which is the greatest commandment?”commandment?”

Decalogue had 613 Hebrew charactersDecalogue had 613 Hebrew characters 613 separate laws in Pentateuch613 separate laws in Pentateuch 248 affirmative laws248 affirmative laws 365 negative laws365 negative laws “ “heavy laws” and “light laws”heavy laws” and “light laws”

Proof of LifeProof of LifeMatthew 22:34-40Matthew 22:34-40

The AnswerThe Answer Jesus responded without hesitationJesus responded without hesitation In accordance with Moses and In accordance with Moses and

customcustom Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21 Numbers 15:37-41; Exodus 13:1-Numbers 15:37-41; Exodus 13:1-

1010 AhebAheb – Hebrew word for love – Hebrew word for love

referring to an act of mind and will. referring to an act of mind and will. Determined care for the welfare of Determined care for the welfare of something/one.something/one.

Proof of LifeProof of LifeMatthew 22:34-40Matthew 22:34-40

The AnswerThe Answer Heart, soul, mind – Heart, soul, mind –

comprehensivenesscomprehensiveness Heart – core of one’s personal Heart – core of one’s personal

being being Soul – emotions from deep withinSoul – emotions from deep within Mind – “might”, energy, and Mind – “might”, energy, and

strengthstrength Genuine love of God is intelligent, Genuine love of God is intelligent,

feeling, willing, and servingfeeling, willing, and serving

Proof of LifeProof of LifeMatthew 22:34-40Matthew 22:34-40

The AnswerThe Answer Therefore, love for God and Therefore, love for God and

obedience to Him are inseparableobedience to Him are inseparable Belonging to God is loving GodBelonging to God is loving God Not belonging to Him is hating Not belonging to Him is hating

GodGod Jesus died for our sin (hatred of Jesus died for our sin (hatred of

God)God) He forgives our lack of love for He forgives our lack of love for

GodGod He provides for our future love for He provides for our future love for

GodGod

Proof of LifeProof of LifeMatthew 22:34-40Matthew 22:34-40

The AnswerThe Answer But there is a second answer But there is a second answer

addedadded The two can not be separated!!The two can not be separated!! Genuine love for God is next Genuine love for God is next

followed by genuine love for followed by genuine love for othersothers

Love God => obey God => love Love God => obey God => love othersothers

1 John 4:7,8 and Romans 13:8-101 John 4:7,8 and Romans 13:8-10

Proof of LifeProof of LifeMatthew 22:34-40Matthew 22:34-40

ApplicationApplicationDo you love God? Do you love God?

With your whole being?With your whole being?

Does that love translate into Does that love translate into obedience?obedience?

Do you love your neighbor?Do you love your neighbor?

Does your love for God and your Does your love for God and your neighbor translate to fulfill the Great neighbor translate to fulfill the Great Commission?Commission?