Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. He then said that the second greatest commandment is like it; to love your neighbor as yourself (Mt 22:39). In this parable, he shows how surprisingly similar these commandments really are. Perhaps what is also surprising is how the King does not judge based on doctrine or rules kept or broken, but by how people lived with love and compassion towards those in need.

If we want to be blessed, we should desire to grow in love and compassion. We can learn about love from Jesus himself, who loved us and gave himself for us. Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, welcomed little children along with all who were despised and rejected. Jesus never looked down on others because of their circumstance, but saw the image of God in each person. When we can see Jesus in each and every person, we cannot but be obligated to serve them in their need.


Application: Lord, thank you for your great love for me. You fed me, nursed me, were patient with me and always held space for me in my need. You looked beyond my sins and shortcomings and gave me new life. Open my eyes to see the great value, the image of God, in each person and love others in their needs.
One Word: Love God; love others.