The Eleventh Commandment:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:13-14; 28-34; Leviticus 19:19: John 13:34-35; 13:1
Jesus was asked about commandments which was the most important! Jesus
quotes Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength. This
commandment was deemed so important the Scripture continues in verses 5-9.
Just like Jesus expanded actions in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus loved just
like the Father! Last week we examined the vision of Ezekiel of a dead nation. He
was given the responsibility to preach to them and pray for them so they could
live again. Jesus gave us the same responsibility of the spiritually dead. How will
others know we are followers of Jesus? That’s the eleventh commandment.
Loving others. Jesus was to distinguish us with us displaying love and modeling
our love for others after His love for us. Jesus modeled love in His earthly life. A
trap was set for Jesus concerning love. Teacher Jesus expanded the command and
a trademark of discipleship becomes a reality.
Trap: Mark 12:13-14
Challenges faced by Jesus and His followers. There are always those who will
challenge what Jesus taught and what He entrusted to His followers. Craftiness of
the challengers’ questions. Flattery was a tool. Catch Jesus by allowing Him to
end up in conflict with first Roman or the Temple norms.
Teachings of Jesus: Mark 12:28-34; Leviticus 19:19
Scribes question of all the commandment what is the most important? Statement
Jesus makes is solid “Love God” but add “love your neighbor as you love
yourself” Neighbor to a Jewish mind then was other Jewish people and those who
live with them. Scribe’s response: You are once again correct! Savior response
“You are close to the Kingdom.” You are beginning to get an understanding.
Trademark of disciples is Love. John 13:34-35; 13:1; Romans 5:8
Command of Jesus John 13:34 Love like I loved you. Construction of Jesus love.
Jesus loved and loves us with all our imperfections, sins, doubts and fears.
Commitment: John 13:1 Loving to the very end. Romans 5:8 and Ephesians 5:1-2
Christians are commissioned to speak to the spiritual dead. Jesus offers peace,
hope. We share God’s love. The forgiveness of sin because Jesus gave His life as
a payment for sin. How will the unbeliever know we are a disciple of Jesus? We
love like Jesus. Christians take on the nature of Jesus! Living and loving with
patience in front of the unbeliever and never stop to caring. “All men will know
that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Love for fellow believers
speaks loudly in a world of hate and fear.