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Mark 12:31
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- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And the second is like--"unto it" (Mat 22:39); as demanding the same affection, and only the extension of it, in its proper measure, to the creatures of Him whom we thus love--our brethren in the participation of the same nature, and neighbors, as connected with us by ties that render each dependent upon and necessary to the other. Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself--Now, as we are not to love ourselves supremely, this is virtually a command, in the first place, not to love our neighbor with all our heart and soul and mind and strength. And thus it is a condemnation of the idolatry of the creature. Our supreme and uttermost affection is to be reserved for God. But as sincerely as ourselves we are to love all mankind, and with the same readiness to do and suffer for them as we should reasonably desire them to show to us. The golden rule (Mat 7:12) is here our best interpreter of the nature and extent of these claims. There is none other commandment greater than these--or, as in Mat 22:40, "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (see on Mat 5:17). It is as if He had said, "This is all Scripture in a nutshell; the whole law of human duty in a portable, pocket form." Indeed, it is so simple that a child may understand it, so brief that all may remember it, so comprehensive as to embrace all possible cases. And from its very nature it is unchangeable. It is inconceivable that God should require from his rational creatures anything less, or in substance anything else, under any dispensation, in any world, at any period throughout eternal duration. He cannot but claim this--all this--alike in heaven, in earth, and in hell! And this incomparable summary of the divine law belonged to the Jewish religion! As it shines in its own self-evidencing splendor, so it reveals its own true source. The religion from which the world has received it could be none other than a God-given religion!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to love him with all the heart,.... That is, the one God, with a sincere hearty love and affection; and with all the understanding; of his being, perfections, and works, which will serve to draw the affections to him: this clause answers to that, "with all thy mind", in Mar 12:30; and with all the soul; with all the powers and faculties of it; and with all the strength; a man has, or is given him; with all the vehemency and fervency of soul he is master of: and to love his neighbour as himself; which are the two great commandments of the law: is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices; that is, more excellent in their nature, more acceptable to God, and more useful among men, than all the rituals of the ceremonial law, than any sacrifice whatever: for the two words here used, "burnt offerings and sacrifices", include all offerings; as those which were wholly consumed upon the altar, and those of which part was given to the priests; and all sin offerings, meat offerings, and peace offerings, and whatever else. This man had now at least a different sense of things, from the rest of his brethren; who placed religion chiefly in the observance of the rituals of the law, and the traditions of the elders; and neglected the duties of the moral law, respecting God and their neighbour: things which are to be preferred and attended to, before any ceremonial institutions, and especially the inventions of men. This entirely agrees with the sense of the passage in Hos 6:6. "For I desired mercy and, not sacrifice"; that is, willed and required, that men should show mercy to one another; or that every one should love his neighbour as himself, and attend to this, rather than to the offering of any ceremonial sacrifice: this being more delightful and well-pleasing to God, than that: "and the knowledge of God"; of his unity, perfections, and glory: "more than burnt offerings"; which were entirely devoted to him: and it also agrees with the ancient sentiments of the people of God; so Samuel says to Saul, "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? behold, to obey is better than sacrifices, and to hearken, than the fat of rams", Sa1 15:22. And yet it may be observed, that there is some likeness between these things, burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the love of God and love to our neighbour; though the latter are greatly preferable to the former; true love to God being no other than the offering up of the soul, as a whole burnt offering to God, in the flames of love to him; and love to the neighbour, or doing good and communicating to him, is a sacrifice well-pleasing to God.
Mark 12:31
The Greatest Commandment
30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
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Testimony - Part 7
By Jackie Pullinger3.7K09:53True MinistryTestimonyUnconditional LoveMAT 25:40MRK 12:31LUK 6:35JHN 15:13ROM 5:82CO 5:14GAL 6:2PHP 2:41TH 1:51JN 3:16Jackie Pullinger shares her testimony of faith and sacrifice, illustrating the profound impact of unconditional love and service to others, particularly the needy. She recounts her experience of selling her beloved oboe to help a girl in trouble, emphasizing that true ministry is not about expecting gratitude or change but about reflecting the love of Jesus, who gave His life for us without conditions. Pullinger's encounter with a gang leader highlights the importance of living out the gospel through actions and genuine care, rather than mere words. Ultimately, she stresses that the essence of ministry lies in sharing our lives and love with others, just as Christ did for us.
(Om Orientation) Our Motive Love - Part 1
By George Verwer3.4K27:54LoveMAT 6:33MAT 9:9MAT 22:39MRK 12:29MRK 12:31LUK 14:331CO 13:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to the word of God, particularly in regards to possessions and giving. He mentions that many people today are resistant to this message due to the materialistic culture we live in. The preacher also discusses the concept of forsaking all and compares it to the teachings in the book "True Discipleship" and a verse from the Bible. He highlights the need for compassion as a driving force in our actions and mentions the importance of love and prayer in fulfilling the commandments of God.
Unpardonable Sin
By William P. Nicholson2.7K51:46PRO 1:20MRK 12:31LUK 18:11JHN 3:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fact that preaching the gospel is a serious matter because it deals with the eternal destiny of human beings. He shares a story from the American Civil War to illustrate the urgency of the message. The preacher highlights the dangers of living in sin and the need for repentance and brokenness before God. He warns that sinning away the day of grace leads to a lack of recognition of one's need for salvation. The sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to the love of God and the means of grace provided by Him.
Take Heed to Yourselves
By Richard Baxter2.4K31:03Audio BooksMAT 7:21MAT 25:40MRK 12:31ROM 8:301CO 9:271TI 4:16JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being slothful in business but fervent in spirit. He urges the audience to lose no time and to diligently study, pray, confer, and practice in order to increase their abilities. The preacher warns against behaving weakly or with indifference when delivering God's message, as it can dishonor God and hinder the work of conversion. He also reminds the audience to be mindful of the scrutiny of the world and to walk circumspectly, redeeming the time because the days are evil. The sermon emphasizes the need for holy skill in preaching and the importance of honoring God in the delivery of His message.
Judgement Precipitated by the Ungodly
By Aaron Dunlop2.1K38:18JudgmentLEV 19:18OBA 1:10MAT 22:39MRK 12:31ROM 13:9GAL 6:1JAS 2:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses three important lessons that can be learned from the text. Firstly, the world has a deep hatred for godly individuals, even if they may not physically harm them. The preacher shares a personal experience of witnessing a change in demeanor when giving a gospel card to an ungodly person. Secondly, the sermon emphasizes the seriousness of the malice and mockery directed towards God's people, stating that it is equivalent to murder in the heart. Lastly, the preacher describes a scene of distress and escape, where the Israelites are fleeing from their enemies. The sermon concludes by highlighting the punishment that awaits those who stand in the way of God's people.
The Greatest Event in All of History
By Peter Hammond20740:29HistoryGEN 1:28MAT 6:33MAT 28:19MRK 12:31LUK 2:8LUK 10:30ACT 1:8In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke chapter 10, verses 8 to 14, which describes the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. The preacher emphasizes that this event is one of the greatest in all of history and brings great joy to all people. He then discusses the responsibilities and purpose that God has given to humanity, including loving God and others, caring for creation, and fulfilling the great commission to spread the message of salvation to all nations. The preacher warns against distractions and escapism, urging Christians to face the reality of a world in rebellion to God and to fulfill their responsibilities on earth.
Logica Van Toewijding (Eng-Dutch)
By George Verwer1621:13:09DutchMAT 22:37MRK 12:31LUK 10:27ROM 12:1GAL 5:14HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being with a believer named Captain Padgett on his deathbed. Captain Padgett expressed his readiness to go to be with the Lord, and four hours later, he passed away. The speaker emphasizes that believers are created to worship God for eternity and to rule with Him. He mentions two books by an author called "Destiny for the Throne" and "Don't Waste Your Staros" that discuss the purpose of suffering. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to speak through His word and for workers to be sent out to share the Gospel.
Real Love Shares
By K.P. Yohannan0Love for the PoorCompassionPRO 19:17MAT 22:39MAT 25:40MRK 12:31LUK 6:38JHN 15:12GAL 6:2JAS 2:151PE 4:101JN 3:17K.P. Yohannan shares a poignant experience in the streets of Bombay, where he encounters a desperate beggar girl pleading for help. This moment forces him to confront the stark contrast between her life and that of his own daughter, Sarah, highlighting the deep need for compassion and love for the less fortunate. He reflects on God's challenge to prioritize love for all children, regardless of their circumstances, and to embody the real love that shares and cares for others. The sermon emphasizes that true love transcends societal boundaries and calls for action towards those in need.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And the second is like--"unto it" (Mat 22:39); as demanding the same affection, and only the extension of it, in its proper measure, to the creatures of Him whom we thus love--our brethren in the participation of the same nature, and neighbors, as connected with us by ties that render each dependent upon and necessary to the other. Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself--Now, as we are not to love ourselves supremely, this is virtually a command, in the first place, not to love our neighbor with all our heart and soul and mind and strength. And thus it is a condemnation of the idolatry of the creature. Our supreme and uttermost affection is to be reserved for God. But as sincerely as ourselves we are to love all mankind, and with the same readiness to do and suffer for them as we should reasonably desire them to show to us. The golden rule (Mat 7:12) is here our best interpreter of the nature and extent of these claims. There is none other commandment greater than these--or, as in Mat 22:40, "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (see on Mat 5:17). It is as if He had said, "This is all Scripture in a nutshell; the whole law of human duty in a portable, pocket form." Indeed, it is so simple that a child may understand it, so brief that all may remember it, so comprehensive as to embrace all possible cases. And from its very nature it is unchangeable. It is inconceivable that God should require from his rational creatures anything less, or in substance anything else, under any dispensation, in any world, at any period throughout eternal duration. He cannot but claim this--all this--alike in heaven, in earth, and in hell! And this incomparable summary of the divine law belonged to the Jewish religion! As it shines in its own self-evidencing splendor, so it reveals its own true source. The religion from which the world has received it could be none other than a God-given religion!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to love him with all the heart,.... That is, the one God, with a sincere hearty love and affection; and with all the understanding; of his being, perfections, and works, which will serve to draw the affections to him: this clause answers to that, "with all thy mind", in Mar 12:30; and with all the soul; with all the powers and faculties of it; and with all the strength; a man has, or is given him; with all the vehemency and fervency of soul he is master of: and to love his neighbour as himself; which are the two great commandments of the law: is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices; that is, more excellent in their nature, more acceptable to God, and more useful among men, than all the rituals of the ceremonial law, than any sacrifice whatever: for the two words here used, "burnt offerings and sacrifices", include all offerings; as those which were wholly consumed upon the altar, and those of which part was given to the priests; and all sin offerings, meat offerings, and peace offerings, and whatever else. This man had now at least a different sense of things, from the rest of his brethren; who placed religion chiefly in the observance of the rituals of the law, and the traditions of the elders; and neglected the duties of the moral law, respecting God and their neighbour: things which are to be preferred and attended to, before any ceremonial institutions, and especially the inventions of men. This entirely agrees with the sense of the passage in Hos 6:6. "For I desired mercy and, not sacrifice"; that is, willed and required, that men should show mercy to one another; or that every one should love his neighbour as himself, and attend to this, rather than to the offering of any ceremonial sacrifice: this being more delightful and well-pleasing to God, than that: "and the knowledge of God"; of his unity, perfections, and glory: "more than burnt offerings"; which were entirely devoted to him: and it also agrees with the ancient sentiments of the people of God; so Samuel says to Saul, "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? behold, to obey is better than sacrifices, and to hearken, than the fat of rams", Sa1 15:22. And yet it may be observed, that there is some likeness between these things, burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the love of God and love to our neighbour; though the latter are greatly preferable to the former; true love to God being no other than the offering up of the soul, as a whole burnt offering to God, in the flames of love to him; and love to the neighbour, or doing good and communicating to him, is a sacrifice well-pleasing to God.