Bible Study Sunday | What Matters Most

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew, we come to Matthew 22, a chapter filled with questions, challenges, and some pretty direct answers from Jesus.

And underneath all of it is one big question:

What matters most?

Jesus begins with a parable about a wedding feast. The invitation goes out, but many of those invited refuse to come.

The invitation is still extended.

That reminds me that God’s invitation isn’t something we earn. He invites us into His kingdom, His presence, and His story.

But an invitation requires a response.

Then the religious leaders begin trying to trap Jesus with questions.

Should we pay taxes to Caesar?

Jesus responds by telling them to render to Caesar the things that are his and give the things to God that belong to the Lord (Matthew 22:21).

That’s more than simply an answer about taxes. It’s a reminder about ownership.

If Caesar’s image is stamped on a coin, give Caesar what belongs to Caesar.

But God’s image is stamped on us.

So what belongs to God?

We do.

Then they ask Jesus is what is the greatest commandment.

His answer gets right to the heart of discipleship:

Love God with everything you have.

Followed by:

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Everything else flows from these two commands. That’s a pretty good measuring stick for our lives. How am I loving God? How am I loving people?

Not just the people who agree with me and not just the people who are easy to love. Not just the people who can do something for me.

My neighbor.

Matthew 22 reminds me that following Jesus isn’t primarily about knowing all the right answers.

It’s about responding to the invitation.

It’s about recognizing that my life belongs to God. And it’s about learning to love God and people with the kind of love Jesus demonstrated. Maybe that’s the question worth carrying with us this Sunday:

If God’s image is stamped on me, and His greatest command is love, what should that change about the way I live today?

Think about it. Pray about it. Then go live it.