LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS

YOURSELF.

THE GREAT
COMMANDMENT:
LOVING GOD AND
LOVING OTHERS.
 CONTENTS

The Great Commandment

Mark 12:28-34
 INTRODUCTION

In this passage from Mark 12:28–34,

Jesus talks with a scribe. The scribe
asks Jesus which commandment is
the most important. This is an
important conversation in the Bible,
showing us Jesus's teachings about
love and faith.
 The Question of the Scribe
The scribe respectfully approaches Jesus and asks Him about the
greatest commandment.

Significance: In Jewish tradition, knowing and following the

commandments was highly important. The scribe's question reflects the
desire to prioritize and understand the essence of God's teachings.
 MARK 12:28-34 RECOUNTS A CONVERSATION
BETWEEN JESUS AND A SCRIBE ABOUT THE
GREATEST COMMANDMENT.

A scribe approaches Jesus and asks him which

commandment is the most important. Jesus responds by
quoting from the Old Testament, specifically Deuteronomy
6:4-5, saying, "The most important one is this: 'Hear, O Israel:
The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind and with all your strength.'" Jesus emphasizes the
paramount importance of loving God wholeheartedly and
completely.
 Jesus's Response

"The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The

Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord
your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your
strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as
yourself.’"
 WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE

Significance of Love: Jesus's response underscores the

importance of love in Christianity. Loving God and others is at
the heart of Christian teachings.
Essence of Christian Faith: These commandments summarize
the essence of Christian faith and ethics by emphasizing the
primacy of love. They guide believers to prioritize love in their
relationship with God and interactions with others.
 Response of the Scribe

The scribe acknowledges Jesus's teachings on the importance of

loving God and loving others as fundamental principles of faith.
Jesus, in turn, affirms the scribe's response, validating his
understanding and agreement with these core principles of
Christian ethics. This exchange underscores the significance of love
in Christian doctrine and emphasizes the importance of
recognizing and affirming truth wherever it is found, regardless of
the source.
Discuss the relevance of
the Great
Commandment in
contemporary life.
Encourage listeners to
reflect on how they can
apply these
commandments in their
daily lives.
 In our contemporary lives, the Great Commandment remains profoundly
relevant as it encapsulates the essence of Christian faith and ethics. Loving God
and loving our neighbors are timeless principles that guide our actions and
interactions with others. In today's world, where divisiveness and conflict often
prevail, embracing these commandments fosters unity, compassion, and
understanding among individuals and communities. By reflecting on how we can
apply these commandments in our daily lives, we can strive to cultivate a culture
of love, empathy, and respect for one another. This involves practicing kindness,
forgiveness, and generosity towards others, regardless of differences or
disagreements. Ultimately, living out the Great Commandment enables us to
experience the transformative power of love in our personal relationships, our
communities, and the world at large.
 CONCLUSION

In summary, the Great Commandment underscores the importance

of loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It serves as a
guiding principle for leading a life filled with compassion, empathy,
and kindness towards others. As we reflect on these teachings, let us
commit to embodying love in our actions, fostering unity,
understanding, and goodwill in our communities. Together, let us
strive to make love the driving force behind all that we do, thereby
creating a world where love triumphs over division and hatred.
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING!