Introduction

We’ve all had theories. Here are a few of mine that I’d like to share with you as we get going; Before I was married, I had theories about how to have an amazing marriage. I thought my spouse would be blessed to be with such an enlightened husband. Before I pastored, I thought I knew how to handle every situation and that all my theories about ministering to the community would reap 30, 60, and 100 fold in return. Before I had kids, I had all kinds of theories on parenting, raising obedient children, and creating a problem free home. On and on the list could go. We all know that theories are great, until of course they have a head on collision with reality.

How you envision things going is rarely the same as how they actually go. This truth also applies to dealing with people. Loving people is really simple in theory, but it can be really, really, really messy in reality. Thankfully we learn from Jesus that love is so much more than a theory.

Main Teaching

The Greatest Commandment - Matthew 22:35-40. Chances are good that you’ve heard of the greatest commandment before. If that doesn’t ring a bell, then maybe you’ve heard it called the golden rule. Either way, here’s a brief summary; In Matthew 22:35 Jesus is approached by a religious person. Actually he was an expert in the law and he brought Jesus a question to test Him out. You should also know that at this time there were 613 commandments “enforced” by the religious leaders. If you were a good and righteous person you were supposed to follow them all. It’s how you remained holy and faithful.

Anyway, this religious person was trying to stump Jesus. He wanted to make Him look bad and discredit Him in front of others. So he asks, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” (Matthew 22:36) Said another way, “Of the 613 laws that lead to righteousness which is the most important to follow?” Well, what does Jesus say? Which one is most important?

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. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Jesus takes all these rules and commands and He makes it really really easy to understand. Just love God And love your neighbor… as yourself. Simple right? There aren’t 613 rules anymore… now there’s just 2. It’s easy, how hard can it be... right? Anybody can keep just 2 rules. First off, who doesn’t want to love Jesus. And how hard can it be to love your neighbor? It almost sounds fun. And, if Mr Rogers can do it, why can’t I?

In theory, this loving people thing sounds so great! “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. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is so simple in theory, isn’t it? Loving people and loving your neighbor sounds so straight-forward. If this is all it takes, if these are the only commandments and all the others hang on these two then I think we’re going to be okay.

But in reality, love is messy ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium

Love is so much more than a theory.