Without any knowledge of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) many people believe the idea that we were given two new generic commands by Yeshua Messiah.
Matthew 22:37-38
37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love Elohim your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
This idea has been taught in our churches for many generations.
How do we obey these commands? What are the criteria we need to know, so that we may obey them?
There is no criteria given. It is up to us to decide…
This whole idea falls apart if we take a closer look.
First point:
Yeshua Messiah is not giving new generic commands. He is quoting from ‘the law’.
Deuteronomy 6:5
5 Love Elohim your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Leviticus 19:18
“…but love your neighbor as yourself. I am Elohim.”
There you go…
Messiah is not creating New Testament doctrine.
He is simply quoting instructions already given, and still applicable.
Second Point:
Is there anyway to know my First Point is correct?
Look at verse 36 in Matthew 22.
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Torah?”
This discussion is 100% about Torah.
Messiah is simply answering a question about the law, already given and still applicable.
Third Point:
Yes, but still… are you sure about that?
Just in case there is any confusion, Yeshua Messiah tells us this in Matthew 22:40
“The entire Torah and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Yes, Messiah takes the time to tell us He was just paraphrasing the law, as well as what the prophets spoke, which was to turn back to the instructions given in Torah (the law).
Do you love your Messiah, your Savior?
John 14:15 tells us how to love Him.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”