The Three Rs of Pressing On: Relationship
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of February 2, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40 NLT
34But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. 35One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for a new day of live to love and serve You and those around me! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live out these relationships in ways that will bring You glory and honor. This I pray in the name of Jesus! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
34But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. Matt. 22:34 NLT
Why did the Pharisees and Sadducees constantly question Jesus?
Why could they never “trip Jesus up”?
Today’s Challenge: I will call on the Holy Spirit to fill and empower me that I may love God and others to His glory!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that the Law of Moses is important. I know that Jesus said He came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it. Even so, I know that Jesus told us that loving You and others is most important. Empower me to live that love toward You and others in all that I am and do! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
35One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Matt. 22:35-36 NLT
Why would this question be a trap?
If you didn’t know the answer, how do you think you would answer that question? Why?
Today’s Challenge: I will not test God, but will live in His presence and power!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, again I pray for You to fill me with Your Spirit that I may fulfill Jesus’ “Great Commandment” in my life. Let me start showing that love toward those closest to me—family members, friends, co-workers, classmates. Let my life be an example for others to see what happens when loving You and others comes before my needs. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
37Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ Matt. 22:37 NLT
Where did Jesus get this command? (Hint: see the book of Deuteronomy!)
Why would Jesus quote this particular Scripture as being the most important commandment?
Today’s Challenge: By God’s grace, I will love God with all my heart, soul and mind today!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Guide me in Your ways, and let me live Your truth in the power of the Holy Spirit that I may, indeed, demonstrate to those around me what it means to love You first and best. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
38This is the first and greatest commandment. Matt. 22:38 NLT
Why is Loving God with all our hearts, souls, and minds the “greatest commandment?
Why do you think Jesus made the point that this command is both “first” AND “greatest”?
Today’s Challenge: I will demonstrate that God is first in my life, by living the first and greatest commandment in the Spirit’s power!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus reminded us not only to love you supremely, but also to love our neighbors as ourselves. Sometimes it’s hard to love others! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may love others as You love me. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
39A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matt. 22:39 NLT
Why is it just as important to love our neighbors as it is to love God?
Why would Jesus tell us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves?
Today’s Challenge: I will show my “neighbors” that I love them, by living the love of Jesus toward them!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to fulfill the law and the prophets by living these two commands, but even more I want to demonstrate my love for you by living these two commands! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so it will happen. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
40The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matt. 22:40 NLT
Can you think of anything in the Old Testament that is not based on loving God and loving others? If so, what is it?
What role does the Old Testament have in our lives if we are living the Great Commandment?
Today’s Challenge: I will fulfill the law, by living in love to God and others!