The Pharisees: Question Christ about the Law ( Matthew 22: 35 - 46; 23: 1 - 39 ). Each group came with their most difficult question, representing their expertise and their point of departure from Jesus doctrine. In other words each group came representing his own hang - ups. Remember that each of these groups normally hated each other, but were united in their rejection of Christ doctrine. A lawyer ( Matt 22: 35 ),i.e. , an expert expounder of the Old Testament Law, equivalent to a Doctor of Theology today, asked Him, Master, which is the greatest commandment of the law ( 22: 36 ). The lawyer was tempting Christ with this question and trying to draw him into an argument of over 600 laws. Instead Christ summarized the two tables of the Law ( Exodus 20: 1 - 17 ) the first four commandments responsibility to God; the last six responsibility to man. Jesus quotes what is termed as the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4 - 9; this commandment stopped Israel from going after other gods which was one of the greatest sins. 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 ( Matthew 22: 37 ). This is the first and great commandment. And the Second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On These two commandments hang all the law of the prophets ( Matthew 22: 38 - 40 ). No Pharisee could fault such an answer.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 12:25:11 +0000
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