Brian Steemson, member of Hexham Community Church, comments on Matthew 22 v 23 – 45:

“Love your enemies”, Jesus said earlier in Matthew (chapter 5 v 44).

The key message in this week’s passage is closely related to that – the other parts relate to quibbles about the Jewish law and scriptures.

Jesus says here that the greatest requirement for mankind is to love God and then to love our neighbour – all of them, even the ones we don’t like.

Who can say they have ever done either of these things?

In fact, God helps us.

The bible indicates that God loves all mankind – collectively and individually - and because of this wants to know every person.

Knowing God doesn’t come naturally to us – because mankind have turned their back on God - and so Jesus came to bring reconciliation.

It couldn’t be brought about any other way than through Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection and ascension.

The most important decision anyone can make is to accept Jesus’ offer of reconciliation. It will require immense courage, humility and sacrifice to accept Jesus’ offer, which may put some people off, but the rewards are enormous and long-lasting.

Just as we can’t love God without the help provided by Jesus, neither can we love other people without having our life transformed by the power to do so that comes when we follow Jesus. Jesus said that following him is like being “born again” (John 3 v 3). Following him isn’t always easy but it’s an exciting adventure as he shows you how to live like he did and provides you with the ability to do the same.

Why not find out more about what Jesus said and claimed about himself and its potential impact for you? You can start by reading Mark’s account in his gospel