The greater commandments.
The Jews made many distinctions about the commandments of God, calling some "light," others "weighty," others "little," others "great." According to their estimating, therefore, some commandment must be "greatest." Some of them contended that the law of the sabbath was the greater commandment, some the law of sacrifice, some that of circumcision, and some pleaded for the wearing of phylacteries. They now referred the resolution of this vexed question to Jesus, who astonished them by giving precedence to love. The Talmud reckons the commandments at six hundred and thirteen; of which three hundred and sixty-five are negative, and two hundred and forty-eight affirmative; but our Lord's enumeration is two, for that all the Law is fulfilled in love to God and man. This is so in the nature of the case.
I. LOVE PRESUPPOSES ESTIMATION.
1. God reveals himself that he may be supremely loved.
2. Man is to be loved as reflecting the image of God.
II. LOVE IDENTIFIES ITSELF WITH ITS OBJECT.
1. So in loving God the lover is ennobled.
(a) As it impels to the most arduous duties for the glory of God.
(b) As it makes us willing to submit to the severest sufferings for the glory of God.
2. The second commandment is "like unto" the first.
(a) In having superiority over all except the first.
(b) As being also a precept of love, an efflux of the same principle, directed to our neighbour.
III. LOVE WOULD HAVE ITS OBJECT WORTHY OF ITSELF.
1. This it has in God.
2. This it seeks in our neighbour.
(a) If he is virtuous, love will not detract, but emulate.
(b) If he is honoured, love will not be envious, but pleased.
(c) If he becomes wealthy, love will not covet, but pray that he may not suffer damage by that which has proved ruin to many.
(a) If he is sick and suffering, love will not be unconcerned, but will visit and comfort him.
(b) If he is disappointed, love will not exult, but encourage him.
(c) If he is disgraced, love will not chuckle and give currency to the scandal, but will help to deliver him from the snare of the devil.
3. It will make sacrifices in this service.