Intent Trumps Rules

Intent trumps rules. The ancient scriptures dangle this concept for all who can grab hold.

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Matthew 22:35-36.

In rules-based living, which of the commandments should we focus on? Onlookers would have already had an answer in mind. And Jesus answered in kind:

 “‘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.” 

Jesus described the essence of Judaism – the one God and to worship him only. For the people of Israel, it was their source of identity and pride. It made them “superior” to the other nations and peoples. Here there could be agreement. But if you don’t read closely, you miss the twist. Jesus adds a second which would have surprised the crowd and demonstrated the deep wisdom of the scribe. Jesus would add:

“And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

If you weren’t the scribe, you’d be expecting one – Jesus gave two.

Then Jesus provides us with the insider’s account, something not directly stated in the Bible until this moment – God’s intent behind the Law.

“All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

We know this. This shouldn’t be surprising. It’s only surprising when we as the church don’t reflect this – don’t acknowledge it. It’s darn right confusing.

Christianity is not a solitary journey between you and your God. That’s not the whole experience. If your love for God doesn’t, can’t, or won’t spill out into love for others, compassion for others, concern for others – it hasn’t fully formed. John the apostle would say it possibly isn’t real. I would say maybe you haven’t had a religious experience – maybe you haven’t been altered in your core by the Holy Spirit.

But of course, it’s not too late.