Matthew 22:37 — New Living Translation (NLT) (2026-09-15)

Historical lead-up

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is engaged in a series of discussions and confrontations with religious leaders. These leaders, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, are trying to challenge His authority and teachings. The atmosphere is tense, as they seek to trap Him with difficult questions about the law and His identity. This particular verse comes after a lawyer asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest, hoping to catch Him in a controversial answer.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to clarify the essence of the law and the heart of true worship. Jesus, addressing both the lawyer and the gathered crowd, emphasizes the importance of loving God above all else. His words serve to guide His followers in understanding that love is the foundation of their relationship with God and the key to fulfilling the law.

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to the question of what is most important in life. He emphasizes the command to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Each of these terms points to different aspects of our being: our emotions, our spirit, and our intellect. By using the phrase “all,” Jesus calls for total devotion and commitment. This is not just a suggestion but a command that highlights the priority of our relationship with God in every aspect of our lives.

Living it today

This verse invites us to reflect on our own priorities and how we express our love for God. We can start by dedicating time each day for prayer and worship, ensuring that our hearts are aligned with His will. In our relationships, we can demonstrate love for God by treating others with kindness and respect, recognizing that loving our neighbors is an extension of our love for Him. Additionally, we can seek to understand God’s word more deeply, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions. This commitment to love God fully can transform our daily lives and interactions.

What follows

Following this verse, Jesus continues to explain the second greatest commandment, which is to love our neighbor as ourselves. This connection reinforces the idea that our love for God naturally leads to love for others, creating a holistic approach to living out our faith.