The Questioning of Jesus

“‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.’” Matthew 22:36-38

“Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely…He loves every one of us, even those who
are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 

  • Call your prayer partner for your 10-minute prayer call. If you are having trouble connecting, keep trying! Don’t forget to invite the Holy Spirit to guide your words as you talk and pray together.
  • Be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to stop and be still. Whether the unrest is in our hearts, minds, or bodies, He beckons us to be still. Make room in your heart for Him as you go to your prayer closet with your Bible, journal, pen, and favorite tea or coffee.
  • Read Matthew 22:34-46 slowly, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word. Write verse 37 in your journal.

Put yourself in Jerusalem on Tuesday of Holy Week, just days before the execution of Jesus. He knew His death and suffering were soon to come, even when no one else did. Whippings and thorns were imminent. Hands and feet would be painfully pierced. What a heavy burden He was carrying!

On that Tuesday, Jesus endured intense questioning by both the Sadducees and the Pharisees (Matthew 22: 34-46). Keeping in mind that Jesus was 100 percent perfect, 100 percent innocent, and completely aware of His impending crucifixion, we find the absolute perfect love of our Father and Savior in the response Jesus gracefully gave to their questioning. The setting was like a heated political debate. Jesus had been pitched a tricky question from the Sadducees, the Jews of the highest standing. Because Jesus silenced the Sadducees with His pure, accurate, Scripture-based answer, the Pharisees competitively gathered to challenge and interrogate Him.

One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” In the midst of this hostile environment, Jesus responded as Matthew 9:36 describes: He saw them and had compassion on them. Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees’ challenge was love. He told them, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul. This is the first and greatest commandment.” The beauty of Jesus’ answer hits our hearts strongly today. Jesus had to stand in front of hate-filled critics who wanted to trick Him, make Him look foolish, and prove Him wrong. He answered them with love. Fast forward to today:

  • In the face of my enemies, would I, and even could I, respond how Jesus did?
  • What will I say next time I have a conflict?
  • Even if I have the mightiest fortitude and reply to opposition lovingly, am I living out what Jesus clearly articulated as the most important thing to do with my life—to love God with all my heart, mind, and soul?

I am humbled. Though Jesus knew they were going to kill Him, He somehow endured their questioning and arrogance. Surprisingly, He still mercifully emphasized that love was the greatest commandment. Why? Because He longs for us to love Him. He wants all our affection. He is our Good Father who gave His all for us because He loves us! In Matthew 26:6-13, Jesus told us how to love God well through the story of Mary of Bethany. He said the right choice was to sit at His feet, listen, and be with Him. It’s not about busying ourselves with more service or action like Martha did.

To some, that is a huge relief—following Jesus is not as hard as it might seem. Simply put, Jesus wants a relationship with us! He wants our time and attention devoted to listening for the Holy Spirit’s voice. He wants us to have an open heart to receiving His guidance and following His lead. Truly, He is looking for us to love Him with all we have because He loves us dearly. Oh, God, break my heart so I may see You rightly, see You for who You truly are, and respond by loving You with my all!

Blessings and Love,

Kristi

Questions to Ponder

  • What does it mean for me to love the Lord my God with my heart? My mind? My soul?
  • Also, it says “all” my heart, mind, and soul…What does my “all” look like?
  • If someone looked at my finances and calendar, would they determine God is Lord of my life?

Faith-Filled Ideas

As you ponder how to give your all, remember that He desires a “Mary of Bethany” response. He wants you to sit at His feet and pursue a better relationship with the Lord your God. Start this week by setting the timer for just one minute. Sit down for that short moment and practice listening for your loving Father to speak to you. Remember to start small and that practice makes perfect! Like we always say at the Help Club for Moms: you do you! Perhaps increase the time if you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you.

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Kristi Valentine
Latest posts by Kristi Valentine (see all)

14 Comments on “The Questioning of Jesus”

    1. Thanks Ellie! That blows me away too because they were so critical of him, searching for reasons to murder him. He knew it, but he still loved well.

  1. Kristi, this Bible study really spoke to me today!
    This part in particular really encouraged me:
    “In the midst of this hostile environment, Jesus responded as Matthew 9:36 describes, and He saw them and had compassion on them. Jesus’s answer to the Pharisees challenge was LOVE. He told them, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul. This is the first and greatest commandment.”
    Thank you!!!

    1. I love that too. After being questioned like He was, the temptation would be to lash out or shut down. Jesus was so kind and consistent and loving. He was always about the things that really mattered. I long for that kind of wisdom and lifestyle!

  2. Kristi, thank you so much for sharing your passion for Jesus with me through this study!! You made me feel like I was right there while He was being questioned. You have prompted me to search my heart and really focus on the way I love Jesus…and on the way I want to love Jesus. Thank you so much for this thought provoking devo! It really spoke to my heart!

  3. I loved this study!! I think my favorite part is the suggestion to sit for a minute, and time yourself if needed…but just listen to Jesus and the Holy Spirit and let him speak over you! I very much so need more of Jesus presence. Thank you!

    1. Samantha, thank you for your beautiful comments! I agree. I need His presence too- so much! Timing the “being still” helps me (& my kids too) to cherish and honor the moments with God.

  4. Thank you, Kristi, for the reminder to sit at the feet of Jesus. To be still and know that He is God, for indeed, He will be exalted among the nations. To love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength.

  5. I love this Bible study so much Kristi!!
    I love how you brought up Jesus answering in love!! I want to be like that so much! Thanks for pointing us all to the perfect Savior!

    1. Hi Deb! I want to be like that so much too. I love your heart!!! Thank you for your sweet comments!

  6. Kristi I really enjoyed this study this morning. I love how you brought out the fact that Jesus walked 100% in the Spirit…not just in innocence & perfection during his trial, but true love. Very thought provoking and humbling. Am I willing to do the same? What a beautiful, amazing example Jesus lived! Thank you for sharing your heart and thoughts with us!

    1. Mari Jo, your comments stirred my heart. Thank you for your kinds words! So humbling what He did & continues to do to show love to us.

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