SERIES: The Great Adventure
TITLE: Getting Your Head on Straight
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40
“Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important.” Hummel.
I. THE QUESTION
Test #1: Chapter 21-22:21
Test #2: Sadducees and marriage trap
Test #3: This passage in Matthew 22:34-40
“silenced” [v.34} means “(to muzzle), to forcefully restrict the opening of the mouth”
Perspective: (365) negative laws + (248) positive= (613) laws/commandments
II. THE ANSWER
Jesus’ answer is found in Deut.6:4-9; 11:13-21 and Numbers 15:37-41. It is known as the (Sh’ma). The word means “Hear” and “listen” and the Hebrew word “obey.” The Hebrew is LORD (all caps) which is identified as the name (YHWH). In all caps it refers to God’s personal identity. He is revealed as the (ONE and ONLY).
His first words are “You shall love.” How are we supposed to love?
- With all our (heart). This is not about brains or neurons. It is more about (intention) and (emotion) than mind and intelligence.
- With all our (soul). Hebrew word is living being, self, desire, appetite, emotion, passion.
- With all our (strength). The word is actually an adverb, not a noun, and means (exceedingly). No physical strength is needed.
So what is Sh’ma saying? We are invited to love with the (completeness) of our heart; with (everything) that is within us; and to love Him with (abundant love).
We are to love our neighbor as (ourselves).
NEXT WEEK: TGA: Sound Advice
Title: Looking Straight Ahead
Scripture: Matthew 4: 1-11
