As we gather for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost, we will once again hear of Jesus being challenged by religious authorities who would be pleased to be rid of him. The tensions continue to build as we follow Jesus through Holy Week. In this Scripture lesson, Jesus teaches to love God and love your neighbor, regardless of who your "neighbor" might be and if they love you back! Jesus' teaching seems rather simple, yet as our study guide cautions, "simple truths are often complex when we try to live them." We will discuss Jesus' teaching and the complexities of living out these lessons.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to Matthew. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (Matthew 22:34-46).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the Scripture lesson assigned for the week, and reflect on any words or phrases that might have caught your attention. For a deeper review of this lesson, read similar lessons in the other Gospel accounts and reflect on similarities and differences (Mark 12:28-43; Luke 10:25-28; John 15:9-13).
After reading the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below, give some thought to how Jesus' teaching, combining the Shema of Deuteronomy and the commandment from Leviticus, makes for a very powerful and meaningful life lesson. How is Jesus' teaching more challenging for everyday Christians, as Jesus teaches that we must do more than focus our love toward God?
After reading the "WHERE..." paragraph below, reflect on the idea that hearing the lesson given to us by Jesus and living out this lesson are two very different things...in the words of the guide, "simple truths are often complex when we try to live them."
After reading the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect on the idea that Scripture often provides us answers to our questions, but Scripture also provokes people to consider difficult questions. How has Scripture made you a "curious Christian" and inspired you to explore difficult questions or topics and to try to deepen your faith as you search for answers?
