Matthew 22:34-46

Matthew 22:34-46

The verbal debates with the religious leaders are moving to a conclusion. Round after round cocky opponents have been completely defeated by the humble Galilean. The final assault was about priority of the commandments. Scribes defined 613 commandments all of which were binding, but there was much debate over priority, over which were weightier. The test was an attempt to get Jesus partitioned off into a sect, which would undermine at least a part of His popular support. Jesus’s answer is sublime and beautiful. To love God and neighbor forms the core of the life of a disciple. This is easy to understand but difficult to live. In many churches this passage is read weekly at the beginning of the worship. We should add that not one of us has done this perfectly and that is why we need mercy. Jesus says the rest of the law and the prophets depend on or hang on these two commandments. As disciples of Jesus our whole lives ought to be derived from or motivated by the love expressed in these two commandments.

Jesus then turns the table and asks them about their Messianic expectations. They said that the Messiah would be the son of David, a title already ascribed to Jesus. This messianic title while true Biblical and appropriate was also incomplete. Somewhat like describing the ocean as being ‘wet’, true, but not enough. Also in that context, David’s heir or son might imply a political Messiah. So, Jesus points to David acting as a prophet and declares that the Messiah is his Lord. The Pharisees are in a bind if they deny Jesus as the son of David they will alienate the people. If they admit he is the son of David then He is the Messiah, but more than a political Messiah, He is David’s Lord. They face a terrible “trilemma”. Was he an imposter, a charlatan, a liar? The healings he performed the day before would say “no”. Was He mad man or even demonic using the power of darkness to do miracles? His teaching of love says, “Absolutely not.” Then He must be the Christ! Unable to admit this fact they chose to be silent. Their opposition, which is now verbal, will move to conspiratorial and after that violence.

"Forgive Lord when I have failed to love You with my how being, and  my neighbor as myself.  Have mercy on me Lord Jesus. AMEN