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Jesus and Three Teachings on Love
April 26, 2014

On the last day of Unleavened Bread, we learned how the sacrifice of Jesus lays the foundation for our simple and uncomplicated faith and gives our life purpose, and that the intended purpose is one that is embodied by love. While many may think that when Jesus came he did away with the law of the Old Testament, what he did was frame the law in the concept of love. He summarized the ten commandments through love and also explained that with the Holy Spirit even more is expected of us.

Matthew 22:35-40
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

The lawyer mentioned in verse 35 was a Pharisee and he intended to entrap Jesus with his question. Whatever response Jesus would have provided except the one given, would have resulted in some type of action against him. For instance, if Jesus said the commandment against not murdering was more important than the commandment on honoring one's mother and father, the Pharisees would have likely charged that Jesus in his response did not honor his mother and father. It is interesting to see how Jesus summarized the ten commandments into loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself as the first four commandments show how to act with God and the last six commandments show how to act with others. Jesus pointed out the basis of all these commandments is lov, and the first two of Jesus' teachings on love are found in the first and second great commandment as explained by Jesus. Love can be distinct and separate from law, and that was the environment created by the Pharisees. All we need to do is read the first few versess of Matthew 23 to see how the Pharisees distorted the law.

Matthew 23:1-12
Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Jesus did acknowledge the authority of the Pharisees and also pointed out how they abused their power by placing burdens on others to make themselves looks good. If the average person had difficulty following their interpretation of the law, as the spiritual leader they were empowered over these people and claimed the very best for themselves as a result. It would be like if a person robbed you and then using your money decided to treat you to lunch. Jesus cautioned his followers to respect the authority of the Pharisees by doing what they were told to do, but not to become like the Pharisees. Instead, Jesus wanted his followers to live a life of love that went beyond requirements of the law, and gave and example in stark contrast to what was permitted in the old testament.

Matthew 5:43-48
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Jesus wants us to have love for all, incuding those who are our enemies, and this is the third of the teachings of Jesus on love that we will review today. Having love for enemies is difficult and a requirement of those who are Christians. When others curse us we must bless them. When others seek our destruction we must pray for them. People of the world show favor to their friends and disfavor to those who are enemies. As Christians, we must show love to all, and living a life of love is part of our incredible spiritual purpose.

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.
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