Day 28 | April 2

Humans are inquisitive by nature.  We want answers, so naturally we ask a lot of questions.  Toddlers and highbrow scholars alike are often asking “why?” or “how?” questions.  We all know the old saying, “nothing is certain except death and taxes,” and yet most of us still have many questions about both!

This passage begins with questions of finance and taxes; Jesus responds and as verse 17 says “...they were amazed at him.”  Next he is questioned about death and the resurrection; Jesus responds so well that verse 28 tells us a teacher noticed “Jesus had given them a good answer” resulting in yet another question.  At this point, Jesus is asked which commandment is the most important.  Jesus responds so well this time verse 34 states “...no one dared ask him any more questions.”  

Jesus was asked many questions that focused on laws, issues, hypotheticals, or priorities.  Jesus is very clear in his final response “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.”  Jesus’ final answer seems to make clear that no issues are as important as simply loving God and loving others.  By truly loving God and loving others, the issues, laws, and hypothetical scenarios will take care of themselves.  After falling into a passionate, loving relationship with our Heavenly Father we will not be as concerned with the myriad of issues between generations or cultures.  We will simply focus on Him, and in turn, focus on sharing His love with everyone we encounter.

God desires a relationship with us, and we are called to love. It’s not about laws, it’s about sacrificial love.  We preach love and grace, but live laws and model judgment.  Naturally we all have questions, it is our nature.  However, we need not over complicate things; the answer is to love.  May we be intentional this week at loving God, and truly loving our neighbors.  May we live grace and model love.  As Mother Theresa once said “Spread love everywhere you go.  Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”  Share a smile today and let love be the answer to life’s questions.