Story of greatest commandment – महानतम आज्ञा की कहानी
The story of the “Greatest Commandment” is a significant episode in the New Testament of the Bible, appearing in the Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 22:34-40) and Mark (Mark 12:28-34). It features a conversation between Jesus and a scribe who asks Him about the most important commandment in the Jewish law.
The central figure of Christianity, believed by Christians to be the Son of God and the Messiah. An expert in Jewish law, often referred to as a “teacher of the law” or “scribe” in biblical accounts.
A scribe approaches Jesus and poses a question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus responds by quoting two commandments: “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.”
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus gives a similar response: “The most important one is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
The scribe acknowledges Jesus’ response and agrees with Him, saying that loving God and loving one’s neighbor are more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Jesus commends the scribe for his understanding, saying that he is not far from the kingdom of God.
The primary commandment is to love God with one’s entire being—heart, soul, mind, and strength. This underscores the centrality of a loving relationship with God in the life of a believer.
The second commandment is to love one’s neighbor as oneself. This highlights the importance of compassion, kindness, and care for others in living out one’s faith.
Jesus’ response simplifies the complexities of the Jewish law into two foundational principles, making it accessible and clear for His followers.
It teaches that love for God and love for others are the highest moral priorities, transcending religious rituals and sacrifices.
Both the Gospel of Matthew and Mark present this teaching, underscoring its significance and universality in Christian doctrine.
The story of the Greatest Commandment continues to be a central teaching in Christian theology, emphasizing the core values of love for God and love for one’s neighbor as the essence of Christian faith and practice.
Story of greatest commandment – महानतम आज्ञा की कहानी