16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Matthew 19:16-22
Q & A：
- What is the greatest commandment in God’s law in your own opinion? Jesus sums up all the commandments into 2 commandments: love God and love your neighbor, of which one would you say is the greater commandment and why? (Matt 19:16-22; Matt 22:37-40)
- Discuss why the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself is considered as the royal law, equating to loving God? Do you really love God if you do not see yourself in loving your neighbor? (Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:14; Jam 2:8-13)
- What are the consequences for not seeing neighbor in God’s heart, and in compartmentalizing our love for God and our love for our neighbor? Discuss your understanding of “love your neighbor as your love yourself” and if it is conditional.