The Shema

The Shema is a central declaration of the Jewish faith, encapsulated in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The term "Shema" is derived from the Hebrew word for "hear," which is the first word of the passage. The Shema is recited daily by devout Jews and is a cornerstone of Jewish worship and identity. It reads:

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. Teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

The Shema emphasizes the monotheistic essence of the faith, affirming the oneness of God and the call to love Him with every aspect of one's being. It also underscores the importance of passing down these commandments to future generations, integrating them into daily life, and keeping them ever-present in one's thoughts and actions.

The Greatest Commandment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ identifies the Shema as part of the greatest commandment. When asked by a scribe which commandment is the greatest, Jesus responds by quoting the Shema and adding a second commandment from Leviticus 19:18. This exchange is recorded in the Gospel of Mark:

"One of the scribes came to Him and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, 'Which commandment is the most important of all?' Jesus replied, 'This is the most important: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.'" (Mark 12:28-31)

By linking the Shema with the command to love one's neighbor, Jesus encapsulates the essence of the Law and the Prophets. This dual commandment highlights the inseparable nature of love for God and love for others, forming the foundation of Christian ethical teaching. The integration of these commandments underscores the holistic nature of love that encompasses both vertical (toward God) and horizontal (toward others) dimensions.

Theological Significance

The Shema and the Greatest Commandment hold profound theological significance. They affirm the monotheistic belief in one God, a core tenet of both Judaism and Christianity. The call to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength demands total devotion and commitment, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the command to love one's neighbor as oneself expands the scope of divine love to include interpersonal relationships. This commandment serves as a guiding principle for Christian conduct, emphasizing that genuine love for God is demonstrated through love for others.

In Christian theology, the Greatest Commandment is seen as a summary of the Ten Commandments and the entire Mosaic Law. It encapsulates the moral and ethical demands of the faith, calling believers to live lives marked by love, compassion, and justice. The Shema and the Greatest Commandment together form a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of God, the purpose of the Law, and the essence of true worship and discipleship.