Day 85 – The #1 Commandment

• Today’s passages zoom in on a tiny snapshot of Moses’ teaching. He’s reminding them about the time when they received the Ten Commandments, and which one was the most important. Moses’ wise words about loving God are affirmed several times in Scripture; Jesus talks of it in today’s New Testament passage in Mark, for example. Notice now the passage in Mark directly quotes the passage in Deuteronomy.
• Notice that God is described as One (as in, there is one God, not three). Jesus’ existence (which has always been!) doesn’t change this. We still believe and trust in one God, showing Himself in three persons of the Trinity. This concept is one of the most mind-bending that you’ll grapple with in the whole bible and we’ll think a bit more about it as we continue to read. If you’ve ever struggled with it, you might enjoy taking solace in the video below and know that you’re not alone!
• Which is the greatest commandment? Why do you think this is?
• Do you think the other commandments all relate to the most important one in some way? If we follow the first one, will we automatically follow the others?
• How does Jesus build on the Old Testament passage without changing it? What more can we learn from it?
• Why do the commandments need to be “in our hearts” as well as “in our minds”? If they are not in our hearts, what will we always be fighting against?
• Think about how we can love God in practical ways. What about when we are at home? What about with friends? What about when we’re getting ready for bed or getting up?
• Look at the passage in John. Jesus explains that unless we love Jesus – being genuinely grateful to him for his sacrifice on the cross and what that means for us – they we won’t want to obey his teaching. Think of a specific area where you know what Jesus’ teaching is but that you are not living in the right way. Is this because you love the sin more than Jesus? Perhaps Jesus just never comes into your mind? If so, sort your head out first. Realise it’s wrong. Secondly, pray that your heart will be changed, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to want to change and to live for Jesus.

Think practically about today’s passages. They are not long, and they are very simple and clear. We’re called to love God for everything He has given us, and to love His Son for all He has done for us. How can we change our lives in a real way to reflect this?

The video, as I explained above, talks about the concept of the Trinity. I’ve posted it because it’s funny in a geeky Christian way! Don’t worry if you don’t get it – you don’t have to understand all the jokes!