Meaning of Matthew 22:38

Jesus, in response to a lawyer’s question about which is the greatest commandment in the Law, declares that loving God with one's entire being is the paramount and foundational principle of divine instruction. This statement is not an arbitrary pronouncement but a summary and affirmation of the Shema, the central prayer and declaration of faith for Judaism, found in Deuteronomy 6:5. The lawyer was testing Jesus, seeking to trap him with a question that required deep understanding of the Mosaic Law, which contains hundreds of individual commandments. Jesus, by identifying this singular commandment as the "first and greatest," elevates love for God above all other legalistic observances, establishing it as the root from which all other righteous actions and a proper relationship with God flow.

Context and Background

The question posed to Jesus arises within the context of his ministry in Jerusalem during the week leading up to his crucifixion. He had already faced numerous challenges from religious leaders, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, who sought to discredit him. The lawyer’s question is a deliberate attempt to engage Jesus in a theological debate, probing his understanding of the Law. Jesus’ answer, however, transcends a mere academic discussion; it points to the very heart of God's will for humanity. The Mosaic Law, while extensive, was understood by many within Judaism to be reducible to core principles. Jesus’ identification of loving God as the greatest commandment aligns with this understanding, but with a profound emphasis on its preeminence.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are divine love and holistic devotion. The commandment, as Jesus quotes it from Deuteronomy 6:5, specifies four aspects of this love: with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might (or strength). This signifies a comprehensive and all-encompassing dedication to God, involving one’s innermost emotions and desires (heart), one’s very life and essence (soul), and all of one’s physical and mental faculties (might/strength). The message is that true obedience and righteousness are not merely outward acts but stem from an internal disposition of profound love and commitment to the Creator.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this commandment serves as the bedrock of a relationship with God. It implies that all other commandments are ultimately expressions of this primary love. If one truly loves God with all their being, then obeying His commands becomes a natural and joyful response, rather than a burdensome obligation. For believers today, this means prioritizing their relationship with God above all else. It calls for a constant examination of their affections and motivations, ensuring that their thoughts, desires, and actions are aligned with their love for God. This love is not merely an emotional sentiment but a volitional choice to honor and obey God in every aspect of life.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This commandment is foundational to the entire biblical narrative. It underpins the covenant relationship between God and Israel, which was initiated with God’s love for them and their call to love Him in return. It is also the precursor to Jesus’ second greatest commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). Jesus explicitly links these two, indicating that genuine love for God will naturally manifest in love for humanity. The entire story of redemption, culminating in Christ's sacrifice, is God's ultimate act of love, demonstrating the reciprocity expected in this primary commandment.

Analogies

One analogy for this commandment is that of a central magnetic pole. Just as a compass needle is drawn to the magnetic north, all of a person's affections, thoughts, and actions should be oriented towards God. Another analogy is that of the root of a tree. The commandment to love God is the deep, life-giving root from which all the branches and leaves of righteous living grow. Without this foundational root, the rest of the tree cannot flourish or bear fruit.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is intrinsically linked to Deuteronomy 6:5, which Jesus directly quotes. It is also inseparable from Matthew 22:39, where Jesus states that the second greatest commandment is to love one's neighbor as oneself. This pairing highlights that love for God and love for humanity are two sides of the same coin; one cannot truly love God without loving His creation. Furthermore, the concept of loving God wholeheartedly is echoed in verses like John 14:15, where Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments," and 1 John 5:3, which states, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments." These verses underscore that love for God is demonstrated through obedience.