The FIRST commandment

 Mark 12:28-31

King James Version

28 And one of the scribes came, 

and having heard them reasoning together, 

and perceiving that he had answered them well, 

asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

That was the question presented by one of the scribes:

"Which is the first commandment of all?"

How did the LORD JESUS answer that?

Mark 12:29-30

King James Version

29 And Jesus answered him, 

The first of all the commandments is, 

Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind, 

and with all thy strength: 

this is the first commandment.

JESUS reinforced what GOD asked of His people, through Moses:

Exodus 20:1-7

King James Version

20 And God spake all these words, saying,

2 I am the Lord thy God, 

which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, 

out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, 

or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, 

or that is in the earth beneath, 

or that is in the water under the earth.

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, 

nor serve them: 

for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, 

visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children 

unto the third and fourth generation 

of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands 

of them that love me, 

and keep my commandments.

7 Thou shalt not take 

the name of the Lord thy God in vain; 

for the Lord will not hold him guiltless 

that taketh his name in vain.

LOVING GOD is truly the FIRST commandment.

It is a delight to do so, when you're born again.

It is not difficult, once your heart belongs to the LORD.

His delight becomes your delight.

Anything He loves, you love.

Obedience is key.

1 John 5:3

King James Version

3 For this is the love of God, 

that we keep his commandments: 

and his commandments are not grievous.

And the SECOND commandment?

That's for the next post.

Related material:

PRAYERS for these TIMES

On LOVING GOD

LOVING GOD

JESUS and Lazarus

 John 11:47

King James Version

47 Then gathered the chief priests 

and the Pharisees a council, and said, 

What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

How does JESUS love?

We saw it from another post.

This time, we shall go into specifics.

Wherein the Bible speaks of His love for His friends --

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

And here's the story 

John 11:1-3

King James Version

11 Now a certain man was sick, 

named Lazarus, of Bethany, 

the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

2 (It was that Mary 

which anointed the Lord with ointment, 

and wiped his feet with her hair, 

whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, 

Lord, behold, 

he whom thou lovest is sick.

John 11:4

King James Version

4 When Jesus heard that, he said, 

This sickness is not unto death, 

but for the glory of God, 

that the Son of God 

might be glorified thereby.

John 11:5-6

King James Version

5 Now Jesus loved Martha, 

and her sister, and Lazarus.

6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, 

he abode two days still 

in the same place where he was.

John 11:7-8

King James Version

7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, 

Let us go into Judaea again.

8 His disciples say unto him, 

Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; 

and goest thou thither again?

John 11:9-11

King James Version

9 Jesus answered, 

Are there not twelve hours in the day? 

If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, 

because he seeth the light of this world.

10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, 

because there is no light in him.

11 These things said he: 

and after that he saith unto them, 

Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; 

but I go, 

that I may awake him 

out of sleep.

John 11:12-13

King James Version

12 Then said his disciples, 

Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: 

but they thought that he had spoken 

of taking of rest in sleep.

John 11:14-16

King James Version

14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, 

Lazarus is dead.

15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, 

to the intent ye may believe; 

nevertheless let us go unto him.

16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, 

unto his fellowdisciples, 

Let us also go, 

that we may die with him.

John 11:17-19

King James Version

17 Then when Jesus came, 

he found that he had lain in the grave 

four days already.

18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, 

about fifteen furlongs off:

19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, 

to comfort them concerning their brother.

John 11:20-22

King James Version

20 Then Martha, 

as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, 

went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, 

Lord, if thou hadst been here, 

my brother had not died.

22 But I know, that even now, 

whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, 

God will give it thee.

John 11:23

King James Version

23 Jesus saith unto her, 

Thy brother shall rise again.

John 11:24-26

King James Version

24 Martha saith unto him, 

I know that he shall rise again 

in the resurrection 

at the last day.

25 Jesus said unto her, 

I am the resurrection, and the life: 

he that believeth in me, though he were dead, 

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me 

shall never die. 

Believest thou this?

John 11:27-29

King James Version

27 She saith unto him, 

Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, 

the Son of God, which should come into the world.

28 And when she had so said, she went her way, 

and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, 

The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

29 As soon as she heard that, 

she arose quickly, and came unto him.

John 11:30-31

King James Version

30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, 

but was in that place where Martha met him.

31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, 

and comforted her, when they saw Mary, 

that she rose up hastily and went out, 

followed her, saying, 

She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

John 11:32

King James Version

32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, 

and saw him, she fell down at his feet, 

saying unto him, 

Lord, if thou hadst been here, 

my brother had not died.

John 11:33-34

King James Version

33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, 

and the Jews also weeping which came with her, 

he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.

34 And said, 

Where have ye laid him? 

They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

John 11:35

King James Version

35 Jesus wept.

John 11:36

King James Version

36 Then said the Jews, 

Behold how he loved him!

John 11:37-38

King James Version

37 And some of them said, 

Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, 

have caused that even this man should not have died?

38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself 

cometh to the grave. 

It was a cave, 

and a stone lay upon it.

John 11:39-40

King James Version

39 Jesus said,

Take ye away the stone. 

Martha, the sister of him that was dead,

saith unto him, 

Lord, by this time he stinketh: 

for he hath been dead four days.

40 Jesus saith unto her, 

Said I not unto thee, 

that, if thou wouldest believe, 

thou shouldest see the glory of God?

John 11:41-43

King James Version

41 Then they took away the stone 

from the place where the dead was laid. 

And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, 

Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: 

but because of the people which stand by I said it, 

that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

43 And when he thus had spoken, 

he cried with a loud voice, 

Lazarus, come forth.

John 11:44

King James Version

44 And he that was dead came forth, 

bound hand and foot with graveclothes: 

and his face was bound about with a napkin. 

Jesus saith unto them, 

Loose him, and let him go.

John 11:45-46

King James Version

45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, 

and had seen the things which Jesus did, 

believed on him.

46 But some of them went their ways 

to the Pharisees, and told them 

what things Jesus had done.

This miracle proved unnerving for the chief priests and Pharisees.

They were waiting for an occasion to pin down something on JESUS.

This proved to be that perfect occasion.

John 11:53-54

King James Version

53 Then from that day forth 

they took counsel together for to put him to death.

54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly 

among the Jews; but went thence 

unto a country near to the wilderness, 

into a city called Ephraim, 

and there continued with his disciples.

One question remains.

Based on the verses above, was Lazarus "the disciple JESUS loved"?

Or was it apostle John?

Why does it matter?

As Berean, we always look for accuracy.

That we may not mislead others.

Now, it's time to know what JESUS taught.

Mainly about two commandments.

Let's go to the FIRST.

Related material:

On Micro and Macro Decisions

GOD's LOVE

JESUS

The disciple JESUS loved

 Matthew 4:19

King James Version

19 And he saith unto them, 

Follow me, 

and I will make you fishers of men.

Who was this disciple JESUS loved?

Why did JESUS love him?

Why wasn't this disciple named?

Let's have a look at the verses:

John 13:23

King James Version

23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom 

one of his disciples, 

whom Jesus loved.

John 19:25-27

King James Version

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, 

and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, 

and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, 

and the disciple standing by, 

whom he loved, 

he saith unto his mother, 

Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple, 

Behold thy mother! 

And from that hour that disciple took her 

unto his own home.

John 20:1-2

King James Version

20 The first day of the week 

cometh Mary Magdalene early, 

when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, 

and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, 

and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, 

and saith unto them, 

They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, 

and we know not where they have laid him.

John 21:4-7

King James Version

4 But when the morning was now come,

Jesus stood on the shore: 

but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, 

Children, have ye any meat? 

They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, 

Cast the net on the right side of the ship, 

and ye shall find. 

They cast therefore, 

and now they were not able to draw it 

for the multitude of fishes.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved 

saith unto Peter, 

It is the Lord. 

Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, 

he girt his fisher's coat unto him, 

(for he was naked,) 

and did cast himself into the sea.

John 21:20-22

King James Version

20 Then Peter, turning about, 

seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; 

which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, 

Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, 

Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him, 

If I will that he tarry till I come, 

what is that to thee? 

follow thou me.

John 21:24

King James Version

24 This is the disciple 

which testifieth of these things, 

and wrote these things: 

and we know that his testimony 

is true.

Many said this disciple was John.

A Berean-based pastor said it wasn't.

What do you think?

To shed more light, we look into another person.

A person JESUS clearly loved.

Click here for the next post.

Related material:

GOD's LOVE

Related video:

Is Lazarus the Beloved Disciple? Who is the Author of the Gospel of John? Dr. Ben Witherington

GOD loved JESUS

 John 17:1

King James Version

17 These words spake Jesus, 

and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, 

Father, the hour is come; 

glorify thy Son, 

that thy Son also may glorify thee:

We've come to know how GOD loves us.

We've also come to know how JESUS loved us.

This time, let's have a look at how GOD loved JESUS.

SPIRIT reveals the breadth of the FATHER's love for His SON:

Psalm 110:1-4

King James Version

110 The Lord said unto my Lord, 

Sit thou at my right hand, 

until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength 

out of Zion: 

rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, 

in the beauties of holiness 

from the womb of the morning: 

thou hast the dew of thy youth.

4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, 

Thou art a priest for ever 

after the order of Melchizedek.

Isaiah 61:1-3

King James Version

61 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; 

because the Lord hath anointed me 

to preach good tidings unto the meek; 

he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 

to proclaim liberty to the captives, 

and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, 

and the day of vengeance of our God; 

to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, 

to give unto them beauty for ashes, 

the oil of joy for mourning, 

the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; 

that they might be called trees of righteousness,

 the planting of the Lord, 

that he might be glorified.

Matthew 3:16-17

King James Version

16 And Jesus, 

when he was baptized, 

went up straightway out of the water: 

and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, 

and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, 

and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, 

This is my beloved Son, 

in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 17:1-5

King James Version

17 And after six days 

Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, 

and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

2 And was transfigured before them: 

and his face did shine as the sun, 

and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, 

there appeared unto them Moses and Elias 

talking with him.

4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, 

Lord, it is good for us to be here: 

if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; 

one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

5 While he yet spake, 

behold, 

a bright cloud overshadowed them: 

and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, 

This is my beloved Son, 

in whom I am well pleased; 

hear ye him.

Luke 22:69

King James Version

69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit 

on the right hand of the power of God.

John 1:18

King James Version

18 No man hath seen God at any time, 

the only begotten Son, 

which is in the bosom of the Father, 

he hath declared him.

John 3:16

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

John 10:17

King James Version

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, 

because I lay down my life, 

that I might take it again.

John 17:2

King James Version

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, 

that he should give eternal life 

to as many as thou hast given him.

John 17:23

King James Version

23 I in them, and thou in me, 

that they may be made perfect in one; 

and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, 

and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

John 17:24

King James Version

24 Father, 

I will that they also, 

whom thou hast given me, 

be with me where I am; 

that they may behold my glory, 

which thou hast given me: 

for thou lovedst me 

before the foundation of the world.

John 17:26

King James Version

26 And I have declared unto them thy name, 

and will declare it: 

that the love wherewith thou hast loved me

may be in them, and I in them.

Colossians 2:9

King James Version

9 For in him dwelleth 

all the fulness of the Godhead 

bodily.

Hebrews 12:2

King James Version

2 Looking unto Jesus 

the author and finisher of our faith; 

who for the joy that was set before him 

endured the cross, 

despising the shame,

 and is set down at the right hand 

of the throne of God.

1 Peter 3:21-22

King James Version

21 The like figure 

whereunto even baptism 

doth also now save us 

(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, 

but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) 

by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

22 Who is gone into heaven, 

and is on the right hand of God; 

angels and authorities and powers 

being made subject unto him.

Some intriguing verses tell us of a disciple JESUS loved.

Click here to know more about that.

Related material:

The prophesied MESSIAH

SON of GOD

JESUS

How JESUS loved

 John 15:1

King James Version

15 I am the true vine, 

and my Father is the husbandman.

How did JESUS love?

What does the Bible say?

A lot, as you will see for yourself.

We have no idea how much JESUS loved the FATHER.

We have no idea His love and sacrifice for us.

But SPIRIT and Scripture will tell us.

How JESUS loved GOD:

John 6:38

King James Version

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me.

John 17:4

King James Version

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: 

I have finished the work 

which thou gavest me to do.

John 17:6-7

King James Version

6 I have manifested thy name unto the men 

which thou gavest me out of the world: 

thine they were, and thou gavest them me; 

and they have kept thy word.

7 Now they have known that all things 

whatsoever thou hast given me 

are of thee.

John 17:8

King James Version

8 For I have given unto them 

the words which thou gavest me; 

and they have received them, 

and have known surely that I came out from thee, 

and they have believed that thou didst send me.

John 17:14

King James Version

14 I have given them thy word; 

and the world hath hated them, 

because they are not of the world, 

even as I am not of the world.

John 17:26

King James Version

26 And I have declared unto them thy name, 

and will declare it: 

that the love wherewith thou hast loved me 

may be in them, and I in them.

Philippians 2:8

King James Version

8 And being found in fashion as a man, 

he humbled himself, 

and became obedient unto death, 

even the death of the cross.

By His very example, JESUS showed us how to love the FATHER.

In complete trust, faith, and obedience.

Can we do the same?

We should, for there's no other way to love.

But through what JESUS showed us.

That's why He is the WAY:

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

Now, it's time to see how JESUS loved us.

And continues to love us::

John 6:35

King James Version

35 And Jesus said unto them, 

I am the bread of life: 

he that cometh to me shall never hunger; 

and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6:37

King James Version

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; 

and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 6:39-40

King James Version

39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me 

I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, 

that every one which seeth the Son, 

and believeth on him, 

may have everlasting life: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 14:2-3

King James Version

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: 

if it were not so, I would have told you. 

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, 

I will come again, 

and receive you unto myself; 

that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 14:16-17 

King James Version

16 And I will pray the Father, 

and he shall give you another Comforter, 

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; 

whom the world cannot receive, 

because it seeth him not, 

neither knoweth him: 

but ye know him; 

for he dwelleth with you, 

and shall be in you.

John 14:26 

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26 

King James Version

26 But when the Comforter is come, 

whom I will send unto you from the Father, 

even the Spirit of truth, 

which proceedeth from the Father, 

he shall testify of me:

John 16:7 

King James Version

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; 

It is expedient for you that I go away: 

for if I go not away, 

the Comforter will not come unto you; 

but if I depart, 

I will send him unto you.

John 16:8-12

King James Version

8 And when he is come, 

he will reprove the world of sin, 

and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, 

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world 

is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, 

but ye cannot bear them now.

John 16:13-14

King James Version

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, 

he will guide you into all truth: 

for he shall not speak of himself; 

but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: 

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: 

for he shall receive of mine, 

and shall shew it unto you.

John 16:15 

King James Version

15 All things that the Father hath are mine: 

therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, 

and shall shew it unto you.

John 17:9

King James Version

9 I pray for them: 

I pray not for the world, but for them 

which thou hast given me; 

for they are thine.

John 17:11

King James Version

11 And now I am no more in the world, 

but these are in the world, 

and I come to thee. Holy Father, 

keep through thine own name 

those whom thou hast given me, 

that they may be one, as we are.

John 17:12

King James Version

12 While I was with them in the world, 

I kept them in thy name: 

those that thou gavest me I have kept, 

and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; 

that the scripture might be fulfilled.

John 17:13

King James Version

13 And now come I to thee; 

and these things I speak in the world, 

that they might have my joy 

fulfilled in themselves.

John 17:15

King James Version

15 I pray not that thou shouldest 

take them out of the world, 

but that thou shouldest 

keep them from the evil.

John 17:17

King James Version

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: 

thy word is truth.

John 17:19

King James Version

19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, 

that they also might be sanctified 

through the truth.

John 17:20

King James Version

20 Neither pray I for these alone, 

but for them also which shall believe on me 

through their word;

John 17:21

King James Version

21 That they all may be one; 

as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, 

that they also may be one in us: 

that the world may believe 

that thou hast sent me.

John 17:22

King James Version

22 And the glory which thou gavest me 

I have given them; 

that they may be one, 

even as we are one:

John 17:23

King James Version

23 I in them, and thou in me, 

that they may be made perfect in one; 

and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, 

and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

John 17:24

King James Version

24 Father, I will that they also, 

whom thou hast given me, 

be with me where I am; 

that they may behold my glory, 

which thou hast given me: 

for thou lovedst me 

before the foundation of the world.

Romans 5:6

King James Version

6 For when we were yet without strength, 

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 8:34

King James Version

34 Who is he that condemneth? 

It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, 

who is even at the right hand of God, 

who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:35

King James Version

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 

shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, 

or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:36-39

King James Version

36 As it is written, 

For thy sake we are killed all the day long; 

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things 

we are more than conquerors 

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, 

nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, 

nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 

shall be able to separate us from the love of God, 

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

King James Version

16 For the Lord himself 

shall descend from heaven 

with a shout, 

with the voice of the archangel, 

and with the trump of God: 

and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain 

shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, 

to meet the Lord in the air: 

and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Hebrews 9:15

King James Version

15 And for this cause 

he is the mediator of the new testament, 

that by means of death, 

for the redemption of the transgressions 

that were under the first testament, 

they which are called might receive 

the promise of eternal inheritance.

1 Peter 1:18-19

King James Version

18 Forasmuch as ye know 

that ye were not redeemed 

with corruptible things, as silver and gold, 

from your vain conversation received 

by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, 

as of a lamb without blemish 

and without spot:

Revelation 1:5

King James Version

5 And from Jesus Christ, 

who is the faithful witness, 

and the first begotten of the dead, 

and the prince of the kings of the earth. 

Unto him that loved us, 

and washed us from our sins 

in his own blood,

The Book of Revelation tells us many more things JESUS will do.

From the previous post, we know how GOD loves us.

From this post, we know how JESUS loved us.

Now, it's time to know how GOD loved JESUS.

Read about that here.

Related material:

LOVE from JESUS

The REASON for the CROSS

SON of GOD

JESUS