Questions?

Students often ask questions in a context where they expect, even hope for, a particular answer. Such is the situation with the Pharisees and the Sadducees. In their role of learning and teaching Judaism, these opposing groups often vied, if not for Jesus' approval, then for the satisfaction of proving him wrong.

When Jesus silences the Sadducees (Mt 22.23 ff), for their apparent lack of Scriptural understanding, the Pharisees take opportunity to test Jesus with a question aimed at settling an 'in-house' dispute. Some teachers permitted a distinguishing between lesser and greater commands, while others argued that as all commandments came from God they were of equal value. Hence, they ask Jesus: Which is the greatest commandment in the law?

Jesus' two-fold answer points out:

* the legitimacy of holding to first principles in the law, and

* the important immediate consequence – the 'what' and the 'how'. Love of God and love of neighbour are inseparable. Jesus later extended the neighbour concept with his Parable of the Good Samaritan. Today, we may see a further corollary as we express our love of God and neighbour in caring for our damaged environment.                                                          By John Kidson.