Main Thought
In the Old Testament, God used Moses to give his people a set of laws. These rules eventually came to be known as “the Law of Moses,” or simply as “the Law.” The Law established a standard for moral goodness (or righteousness) in relation to God and others. Yet the Law could only portray righteousness. It could not produce it. The Law’s standard was too high, and it didn’t transform the human heart. This is where Jesus enters the picture. He exceeded the standard of the law because of His love for God and Man. Jesus earned righteousness for Himself. Then, He extended that same goodness to us as a gift. We are free from the rigid requirements of the Law because we’re made righteous through faith in Christ! But what should we do with our freedom? We should respond to God’s love by imitating Christ and exceeding the standard of the Law. We do that when we love God “with all,” in all areas of our lives.
Main Passage
4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
- Galatians 4:4-5
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
- Mark 12:30-31
41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
- Mark 12:41-44
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
Why do you think it’s significant that Jesus freed us from the standard of the Law?
What’s one practical step you can take toward loving God with all you have?