The First Commandment

Posted 8/20/2001

Background to the First and Great Commandment Mk 12:28-34

Other references: De 6:4-5, De 10:12, Mat 22:34-40, Luk 10:25-28

Deuteronomy is really where the command is stated. Jesus simply quoted the passage as his answer to the Phariseee's attempt at a trick question. The scribe understood what this meant, that God wants our love more than any of the mere actions we do for him.

The commandment is first stated in Deuteronomy, after a bit of history and reminder of the 10 Commandments. God makes it clear that he wants our love first, for then our obedience will follow. He is fully aware of the emptiness of just following rules without wanting to, or knowing why.

  1. First Command in Context
    Long-term benefits: long life, be well, increase
    Constant reminder: we forget so easily when we're comfortable
    Keep His commandments: fight the enemy, remember God's works
  2. First Command as Defense
    Jesus' answer to the scribes' "trick" question
    The answer effectively silenced His temptors from trying any more
    The scribe understood Him, which made him close to salvation
  3. First Command as Life
    Fear and love are inextricably linked with our salvation
    Our love has to extend beyond ourselves to our neighbors: The Good Samaritan

What does God require of us?

    1. Our lifeblood Ge 9:5 <seek for, demand>
    2. To fear and love Him De 10:12 <ask for, seek, enquire>
    3. To speak the words He gives us De 18:19 <seek for, demand>
    4. To keep our vows De 23:21 <seek for, demand>
    5. The blood of those we do not warn of their sin Ez 3:18 <seek, request, demand>
    6. Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with Him Mi 6:8 <seek for, demand>

The word require has a few shades of meaning, in Hebrew or English:

Note that the requirement in De 10 makes more of a request than a demand. Other examples:

  1. Joseph's questions to his brothers about his father and little brother
  2. The women's requests to borrow wealth from their Egyptian neighbors
  3. The Israelites' request to not hear the voice of God again
  4. The men with Joshua did not seek God when getting hoodwinked
  5. Thirsty Sisera wanted water, and got milk and a nail
  6. Hannah's request for a child
  7. The Israelistes's desire for a king
  8. Solomon's request for wisdom
  9. The Babylonian's request for a song from the exiled Israelites
  10. The sluggard's begging when he needs food
  11. The Psalmist's request for just enough

God is asking for our love - we can give it to him from every aspect of our beings.

All verses in this article