First Things First!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were trying to find things for which they could discredit Jesus. Much like our politicians and media do today. In their day, the question: “Which commandment is the greatest of all?” was one that they hoped would cause Jesus to slip up.
They didn’t believe that Jesus was the Messiah and believed that he wasn’t the Son of God. But knowing what we know about Jesus, think of how important Jesus’ answer is. Luther’s comment on the First Commandment is fitting. If we could keep that one, we would be able to keep them all. It truly is a matter of First Things First!
When we look at what Jesus is teaching, we realize that there is no way that we can keep this commandment. By nature, we are enemies of God and want nothing to do with him. So that points out the first hurdle. We had no desire to put God first. Even after the Holy Spirit worked a desire in our hearts to want to do what God wants, we still fall short. By nature that first place in our hearts belongs to each one of us. My sinful nature says, “That first place spot is mine!” If you are honest, yours does too.
Jesus wasn’t just answering the law expert’s question, as our Substitute he was also declaring what he was doing and did for us. Jesus fulfilled that law and the second one. Jesus loved his neighbor so well that he gave himself for all.
Lord Jesus, the love of your Father brought you to earth for us to do your Father’s will. Thank you for putting first things first. Help us to do that too in thanks. Amen.