Read Matthew 22 online here.
My father, who recently became a Christian, said to me, “So, it’s all about the heart right? And faith in Jesus, what He taught, and how He lived?” My dad, whom some might refer to as a “baby in the faith” gets it! But for all of us, no matter where we are at in our growth in the Lord, how quick are we to forget the simplicity of it all? Sometimes, when I find myself wrapped up in serving the Lord, I neglect to focus on the heart of the matter... Jesus! The same can be said about this Christmas season. Too often we allow ourselves to literally get wrapped up in the exchanging of presents instead of focusing on heart of the season which is Emmanuel, God with us! Matthew 22 reminds us again that true life is found in Christ and loving Him with all of our being, no matter what the season!
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 22:37–40 NIV)
Most Christians are quick to quote the two greatest commandments, which Jesus shares in Matthew 22; however, do we really understand the depth and true meaning of such simple yet life altering words? Verses 37⁷38 should be today’s life “ring tones” for every person who has repented of their sins and placed their faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Yet, often we find that the tones our lives ringing out to the world clash with the tone Jesus set. We are devoted to loving ourselves and everything this world has to offer instead of being consumed with the One who gives true life and hope. We sing out songs exalting ourselves instead of praising the One who made us! The God of heaven and earth desires something different from us…
Leading up to this passage, as we’ve been reading, Jesus continued to reveal two different hearts: the heart of man and the heart of His Father. One is dark, stinks, has no life and is centered on the kingdom of man, while the other is centered on a heavenly Kingdom that shines with the Light of men offering hope, life, peace and a sweet aroma. Which type of heart would you rather have? The amazing truth is that when we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, our cold hearts of stone are turned into loving hearts of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26) It is the power of Christ that helps us to love as He desires, as He exemplified. His Holy Spirit, which dwells in our hearts, enables us to fulfill ALL of God’s commandments, especially the two in Matthew 22.
Jesus is coming soon to take away His Bride. How will He find the state of Her heart? Our hearts, as we collectively make up His Bride? Are we allowing God’s Holy Spirit to transform our minds and prepare our hearts for His return? Or are we ignoring and disobeying God’s greatest commandments to love Him with all of our being and others as Christ loves them? When Jesus returns how will He find us? Will we be ready to enter and attend the Great Wedding Banquet of the Lamb? (Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:7-9) Or will we be thrown out because the stinky clothes we’re wearing are not the clothes of Christ?
Is it all about the heart? Yes! Is your heart ready for Christ’s return? Only you and Jesus know the answer!
"Above all else, he was a man with a good heart."
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for that day when I’ll be ushered into God’s holy presence and join Him in the wedding feast of the Lamb! What a glorious day that will be! What a celebration of human hearts united with their Creator!
Today's article written by Kathrin Hitchcock.
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