Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40)
Jesus finds himself in another challenging position this final week of His life having just run off a group of Sadducees who tried to trap Jesus with a question about the resurrection. Of course, the Sadducees don’t believe in the resurrection—So, Jesus puts them in their place.
Seeing an opening, a bunch of Pharisees descend on Jesus, also trying to trick him into giving a wrong answer which could result in charges being made. This was not the first time he found himself in this situation—And so he maintained his ever-calm demeanor as they asked Jesus, “Which commandment in the Law is the greatest?”
The best guess is that they expect Jesus to pick one of the 10 commandments—say, “thou shalt have no other gods before me”—hoping he would say that one is the greatest commandment. Knowing that no matter which commandment Jesus chooses, the Pharisees are ready with 100 reasons why he’s wrong. See, this was much deeper than just one commandment! Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast shares an inspired message entitled “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30am featuring meaningful and uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. We look forward to seeing you! We also offer an amazing Spirit Filled On-Line Worship experience each week accessed at www.sedonaumc.org.
Sedona UMC offers several weekly book and bible studies: Tuesday’s @ 2PM Adult Studies at “The Gathering Place” in West Sedona; Wednesday’s Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. We offer so many great missions, ministries, and fellowship opportunities at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook.
We would love to pray for you! —Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—We look forward to seeing you!—Come and grow with us!
