What Is the Shema? The Prayer Jesus Called the Greatest Command

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one. You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”

— Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (WEB)

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is a pivotal passage that introduces the Shema, a central tenet of Jewish faith. It begins with a call to Israel to acknowledge the singularity and unity of God: "Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one." This declaration is not just a statement of monotheism but a profound invitation to exclusive devotion and allegiance. The command to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength underscores a holistic commitment that encompasses every facet of a believer's life. This passage forms the bedrock of Jewish religious identity, encapsulating the essence of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It challenges believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, integrating this love into every aspect of life. The emphasis on God's oneness also highlights His sovereignty and the call to worship Him alone. For Christians, this passage resonates deeply, as Jesus reiterates its importance in the New Testament, emphasizing the call to love God wholly. By understanding the foundational role of the Shema, believers can appreciate its enduring significance and strive to embody its call to love God completely in their daily lives. This holistic devotion serves as a reminder that faith is not merely a part of life but the very essence of it, calling for a continuous and all-encompassing commitment to God.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

“These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates.”

— Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (WEB)

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 expands on the Shema by emphasizing the importance of internalizing God's commandments: "These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart;" This passage highlights the need for God's words to be deeply ingrained in the believer's heart, guiding their thoughts and actions. It calls for the commandments to be taught diligently to children, ensuring that future generations understand and uphold their covenantal responsibilities. The instructions to talk about them at home, on the road, when lying down, and when getting up illustrate the integration of faith into every aspect of daily life. The physical symbols of binding them on hands and foreheads and writing them on doorframes serve as tangible reminders of God's presence and commandments. For Christians, this passage underscores the importance of teaching and living out faith consistently, modeling a life that reflects God's love and commandments. By internalizing and passing on these teachings, believers can cultivate a faith that is vibrant and enduring, impacting both their lives and the lives of those around them. This passage calls for a faith that is not only personal but also communal, influencing family and community life.

Mark 12:28-30

“One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together. Knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?” Jesus answered, “The greatest is, ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.”

— Mark 12:28-30 (WEB)

In Mark 12:28-30, Jesus affirms the Shema as the greatest commandment when asked by a teacher of the law: Jesus answers by calling Israel to hear and to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. By quoting the Shema, Jesus highlights its enduring significance and foundational role in understanding the essence of God's commandments. He emphasizes that loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength is paramount. This affirmation by Jesus bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing the continuity of God's call to love Him wholly. Jesus' teaching underscores that true obedience to God begins with a heart fully devoted to Him, transcending ritualistic observance. For Christians, this passage reinforces the centrality of love in their relationship with God and others. It challenges believers to examine their devotion and prioritize their love for God above all else, aligning their lives with His commandments. By embracing the Shema's call to love God fully, Christians can cultivate a faith that is both authentic and transformative. This passage invites believers to reflect on the depth and sincerity of their love for God, encouraging a faith that is deeply personal and profoundly communal.

Matthew 22:36-38

““Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”

— Matthew 22:36-38 (WEB)

Matthew 22:36-38 presents a parallel account of Jesus affirming the Shema as the greatest commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of the command to love God, encompassing every aspect of one's being. Jesus' response to the question about the greatest commandment underscores the primacy of love in the believer's relationship with God. By quoting the Shema, Jesus connects the Old Testament command with His teaching, emphasizing its relevance for His followers. This passage challenges believers to evaluate their love for God, ensuring it is not compartmentalized but integrated into every part of their lives. For Christians, this commandment serves as a guiding principle, shaping their priorities and actions. It calls for a love that is active and all-encompassing, influencing how they relate to God and others. By embracing this commandment, believers can cultivate a faith that is vibrant and transformative, reflecting the love of God in all they do. This passage serves as a reminder that love for God is the foundation of all other commandments, guiding believers in their spiritual journey.

Deuteronomy 11:18-19

“Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

— Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (WEB)

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 reinforces the necessity of internalizing God's commandments, urging believers to "lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul." This passage underscores the importance of embedding God's words deeply within one's consciousness, allowing them to guide thoughts and actions consistently. It emphasizes the role of teaching these commandments to children, ensuring that future generations are well-versed in their covenantal responsibilities. The instructions to discuss these commandments at home, on the road, when lying down, and when getting up illustrate the integration of faith into every aspect of daily life. The physical symbols of binding them on hands and foreheads and writing them on doorframes serve as tangible reminders of God's presence and commandments, reinforcing the idea that faith should permeate all areas of life. For Christians, this passage highlights the importance of consistently teaching and living out one's faith, modeling a life that reflects God's love and commandments. By internalizing and passing on these teachings, believers can cultivate a faith that is vibrant and enduring, impacting both their lives and the lives of those around them. This passage also emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, encouraging believers to share and live out their beliefs within their families and communities, fostering a collective commitment to God's word.

What these passages have in common

• ✦The Shema emphasizes the oneness and sovereignty of God.
• ✦Loving God wholly is central to both Old and New Testament teachings.
• ✦Internalizing and teaching God's commandments is crucial for faith transmission.
• ✦The Shema calls for integrating faith into every aspect of daily life.

Questions for reflection

• 1.How does Deuteronomy 6:4-5 challenge your understanding of God's oneness and your devotion to Him?
• 2.In what ways can you integrate the teachings of Deuteronomy 6:6-9 into your daily life and family practices?
• 3.How does Jesus' affirmation of the Shema in Mark 12:28-30 influence your understanding of the greatest commandment?

A prayer

God, fix Your words in my heart and mind. Let my love for You be wholehearted, guiding every thought and action. Teach me to live out Your commandments daily, to speak of Your love and truth in every moment. Help me to pass on this faith to future generations, that they too may know and love You. May my life reflect Your oneness and sovereignty, as I strive to love You with all my heart, soul, and strength. Amen.