What Requires Us to be Great? A Sermon Based on Matthew 22:34-46

Introduction

Christian greetings to you all.

I am inviting you to reflect upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and explore the theme of greatness. In Matthew 22:34-46, we find a thought-provoking conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees, where they discuss the greatest commandment.

The Greatest Commandment

As the Pharisees approached Jesus, one of them, an expert in the law, asked Him a question to test Him. ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ they inquired. Jesus responded, ‘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.’

Love for God and Others

Jesus’ response reveals to us the essence of greatness in the eyes of God. It is not about wealth, power, or status. It is about love – love for God and love for others. To be great, we must prioritize our relationship with God and show love and compassion towards our fellow human beings.

Challenges to Greatness

Living out these commandments may seem simple, but in reality, it can be challenging. We live in a world that often promotes self-centeredness, materialism, and division. It is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of personal success and forget about our responsibilities towards God and our neighbors.

The Example of Jesus

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see the perfect example of greatness. He humbled Himself, served others, and ultimately sacrificed His life for the salvation of humanity. Jesus showed us that true greatness lies in selflessness, compassion, and obedience to God’s will.

Practical Steps Towards Greatness

So, what does it require from us to be great? Here are some practical steps we can take:

1. Deepen our relationship with God: Spend time in prayer, study His Word, and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.
2. Show love and kindness: Extend love and kindness to everyone we encounter, regardless of their background or circumstances.
3. Practice forgiveness: Let go of grudges and forgive others, just as God has forgiven us.
4. Serve others: Look for opportunities to serve those in need, following the example of Jesus.
5. Be humble: Recognize that true greatness is not found in exalting ourselves but in lifting others up.

Conclusion

As we conclude, let us remember that greatness is not measured by worldly standards but by the love and compassion we show towards God and our fellow human beings. Let us strive to be great in the eyes of God by following the greatest commandment – to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

May God bless each one of us as we embark on this journey towards greatness. Amen.