On this Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, we will once again hear Jesus being challenged by those who would attempt to trick him into saying something that contradicts the Word of God. This week, Jesus is directly challenged on his understanding of the Law. Jesus replies that all the Law and the word of the prophets of God are easily summed up in two straightforward laws: Love God and love your neighbor as you love yourself. We will explore how setting our lives in consistent harmony with Jesus' words help us to prioritize our lives and bring us closer to God.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to Matthew. The Scripture passage may be found by following this link: (Matthew 22:34-46).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
After reading the Scripture lesson, consider the many questions that have been raised in this lesson and during the past few weeks: what role do questions serve in these exchanges?
After reading the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below, reflect on the idea that the early followers of Jesus "did not let their reading of Scripture define or limit Jesus in his role as Christ." In what ways do we possibly "limit" Jesus in our thinking?
Read the "WHERE is God..." paragraph below and consider the impact in people's lives of the statement: "Jesus refuses to identify love of God with rigid religious requirements." How does Jesus' expansive view of God's love work in the world, and how expansive is our love, as shown through our actions?
After reading the "SO WHAT..." paragraph, consider the life of the lawyer that poised the question to Jesus. How might his experience with Jesus changed his life, if at all? We are not told what happens to the man...but, consider some possibilities.
Comentários