Commentary

What does Matthew 22:35 mean?

“Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,” — Matthew 22:35

Matthew 22:35 (KJV) states, "Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"

This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Matthew where Jesus is being tested by religious leaders. In this particular exchange, a lawyer, who was likely an expert in Jewish religious law, comes to Jesus with a question about the most important commandment in the law. The context of this passage is essential to understanding the significance and implications of Jesus' response.

In this verse, the lawyer's question is not necessarily genuine. Instead, it seems that he is attempting to trap or test Jesus with a difficult question. It was common for religious leaders to engage in these kinds of debates in an attempt to discredit or outsmart one another. However, Jesus' response to the lawyer's question ultimately reveals the heart of God's law and the true essence of righteousness.

In his reply, Jesus says, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40, KJV).

This response encapsulates the core principles of the entire Old Testament law, which is made up of hundreds of commandments and regulations. Jesus emphasizes the importance of love, both for God and for others, as the foundation of all righteousness. This message directly challenges the legalistic mindset of the religious leaders of the time, who focused on outward obedience to the law rather than matters of the heart.

The theme of love as the fulfillment of the law is central to Jesus' teachings and is echoed throughout the New Testament. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 13:10 (KJV), "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Similarly, Galatians 5:14 (KJV) states, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Furthermore, Jesus' response challenges the prevailing religious attitudes of the time, which emphasized strict adherence to ritual and legalistic observance of the law. Instead, he emphasizes the inward disposition of the heart and the necessity of genuine love for God and others. This message has profound implications for how believers are to live out their faith, focusing on love as the primary expression of obedience to God's will.

In addition to its thematic significance, the symbolism of this passage is also worth considering. The lawyer's question was an attempt to reduce the law to a single, definitive commandment. In response, Jesus reframes the entire law as a framework for loving God and loving neighbor. This is symbolic of the transformative power of love, which has the ability to encompass and fulfill all aspects of the law.

Overall, Matthew 22:35 and its surrounding passage convey a profound message about the essence of God's law and the central role of love in fulfilling it. The context, themes, and symbolism of this verse collectively illuminate a timeless truth that continues to challenge and inspire believers today.