Matthew 22:37 — New Living Translation (NLT) (2026-09-17)

Historical lead-up

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is engaged in a series of discussions with religious leaders who are trying to challenge His authority and teachings. This particular moment occurs after He has entered Jerusalem, where tensions are high, and the question of His identity and mission is at the forefront. The Pharisees and Sadducees, two prominent groups of Jewish leaders, are testing Him with questions about the law and the greatest commandment.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to clarify the essence of the law and the heart of true devotion to God. Jesus is addressing a Jewish audience familiar with the commandments and the importance of the law in their lives. His response serves to redirect their focus from mere rule-following to a deeper, more personal relationship with God. The purpose is to reveal that love for God is foundational to all other commandments.

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the command to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This means that our love for God should be total and all-encompassing, involving our emotions (heart), our spiritual being (soul), and our thoughts (mind). Jesus is speaking to His followers, urging them to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. This command encapsulates the essence of what it means to live a life that honors God.

Living it today

This verse invites us to examine how we express our love for God in our daily lives. We can start by setting aside time for prayer and reflection, ensuring that our hearts are aligned with His will. In 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 engage our minds in studying Scripture, allowing His words to shape our thoughts and actions. Ultimately, this command calls us to live authentically, letting our love for God influence every aspect of our lives.

What follows

Following this verse, Jesus goes on to discuss the second greatest commandment, which is to love our neighbor as ourselves. This connection highlights that our love for God naturally leads to love for others, reinforcing the idea that true faith is expressed through our actions and relationships.