In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 22, Jesus was teaching in the Temple when a scholar of the Law asked Jesus a really good question: “Teacher, which commandment in the Law is the greatest?” Now that’s an important question, isn’t it? What’s most important thing we can do to follow You, Lord? Matthew goes on, “Jesus answered him, ‘You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment.’ But then Jesus, unasked,  went on, ‘The second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The question was answered, but Jesus still went on: “The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

We need to understand the immensity of what Jesus said. The “law” contained in the first 5 books of the Old Testament, was the heart of Jewish faith. The scribes and Pharisees had codified the Law into hundreds of laws which they saw as the most important thing. But Jesus completely turned it all upside down! What is the most important commandment? Jesus said “Love….” What’s the second most important law we need to follow? Jesus answered “Love….” What does the whole worship of and obedience (Law and Prophets) to God entail? “Love.” So, what should our worship and obedience to God look like? You guessed it! LOVE!!!

There are 4 Greek words for love. The one Jesus used is “agape” the love Jesus demonstrated to His Father, and to others in His life. The best and fullest description of this love in the Bible is in 1 Corinthians 13. You’re probably familiar with it after hearing it at weddings. It contains the familiar words, “Love is patient, love is kind….”It was written by St. Paul to his struggling church in Corinth. The church was divided, immoral and losing their way. Paul, in chapter 13, reminds them of the importance of love,(agape) not law. 

 This is what we will be studying in this 4 week course. We will see the primacy of love, the picture of what love is and what it is not, and the permanence of a love that lasts through eternity. Hope you will take advantage of this one! It can transform your faith, your relationships and your life!