1. Proof of Life Matthew 22:34-40 The Approach The Question The Answer

2. Proof of Life Matthew 22:34-40 The Approach  Test #1 – Pharisee’s (political)  Test #2 – Sadducee’s (theological)  Test #3 – Pharisee’s (theological)

3. Proof of Life Matthew 22:34-40 The Question  they met to confer alone  well respected scribe and expert in law  honest and humble man; Mark 12:28  over emphasis on the law  therefore Jesus must have own scheme

4. Proof of Life Matthew 22:34-40 The Question  “Which is the greatest commandment?” Decalogue had 613 Hebrew characters Decalogue had 613 Hebrew characters 613 separate laws in Pentateuch 613 separate laws in Pentateuch 248 affirmative laws 248 affirmative laws 365 negative laws 365 negative laws “heavy laws” and “light laws” “heavy laws” and “light laws”

5. Proof of Life Matthew 22:34-40 The Answer  Jesus responded without hesitation  In accordance with Moses and custom  Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21  Numbers 15:37-41; Exodus 13:1-10  Aheb – Hebrew word for love referring to an act of mind and will. Determined care for the welfare of something/one.

6. Proof of Life Matthew 22:34-40 The Answer  Heart, soul, mind – comprehensiveness  Heart – core of one’s personal being  Soul – emotions from deep within  Mind – “might”, energy, and strength  Genuine love of God is intelligent, feeling, willing, and serving

7. Proof of Life Matthew 22:34-40 The Answer  Therefore, love for God and obedience to Him are inseparable  Belonging to God is loving God  Not belonging to Him is hating God  Jesus died for our sin (hatred of God)  He forgives our lack of love for God  He provides for our future love for God

8. Proof of Life Matthew 22:34-40 The Answer  But there is a second answer added  The two can not be separated!!  Genuine love for God is next followed by genuine love for others  Love God => obey God => love others  1 John 4:7,8 and Romans 13:8-10

9. Proof of Life Matthew 22:34-40 Application Do you love God? With your whole being? Does that love translate into obedience? Do you love your neighbor? Does your love for God and your neighbor translate to fulfill the Great Commission?