Proof of Life
Matthew 22:34-40
The Approach
The Question
The Answer
Proof of Life
Matthew 22:34-40
The Approach
 Test #1 – Pharisee’s (political)
 Test #2 – Sadducee’s (theological)
 Test #3 – Pharisee’s (theological)
Proof of Life
Matthew 22:34-40
The Question
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they met to confer alone
well respected scribe and expert in law
honest and humble man; Mark 12:28
over emphasis on the law
therefore Jesus must have own scheme
Proof of Life
Matthew 22:34-40
The Question
 “Which is the greatest commandment?”
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Decalogue had 613 Hebrew characters
613 separate laws in Pentateuch
248 affirmative laws
365 negative laws
“heavy laws” and “light laws”
Proof of Life
Matthew 22:34-40
The Answer
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Jesus responded without hesitation
In accordance with Moses and custom
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21
Numbers 15:37-41; Exodus 13:1-10
Aheb – Hebrew word for love referring
to an act of mind and will. Determined
care for the welfare of something/one.
Proof of Life
Matthew 22:34-40
The Answer
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Heart, soul, mind – comprehensiveness
Heart – core of one’s personal being
Soul – emotions from deep within
Mind – “might”, energy, and strength
Genuine love of God is intelligent,
feeling, willing, and serving
Proof of Life
Matthew 22:34-40
The Answer
 Therefore, love for God and obedience
to Him are inseparable
 Belonging to God is loving God
 Not belonging to Him is hating God
 Jesus died for our sin (hatred of God)
 He forgives our lack of love for God
 He provides for our future love for God
Proof of Life
Matthew 22:34-40
The Answer
 But there is a second answer added
 The two can not be separated!!
 Genuine love for God is next followed
by genuine love for others
 Love God => obey God => love others
 1 John 4:7,8 and Romans 13:8-10
Proof of Life
Matthew 22:34-40
Application
Do you love God?
With your whole being?
Does that love translate into obedience?
Do you love your neighbor?
Does your love for God and your neighbor
translate to fulfill the Great Commission?