The Most Important Commandments (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Note
Exam code: 8062
28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 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.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; 33 and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength’, and ‘to love one’s neighbour as oneself’ — this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question. (Mark 12:28–34)
What are the most important commandments?
Jesus was asked a question by a scribe, an expert in the Law of Moses, who would teach the law and answer questions about it
The scribe’s question was Which commandment was the most important?
There were 613 commandments in all in Judaism, and so this was a common question, one that the scribe would probably have been asked to answer many times
This appears to have been a genuine question — not a trick — to find out what Jesus thought
Jesus answered the scribe by quoting scripture
The first part of his answer was the Shema (the daily prayer of all Jews):
“Hear, O 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.” (Mark 12:29–30)
The second part of his response was from the Book of Leviticus:
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
The scribe was impressed with Jesus’s answer
Jesus said that the scribe was not far from the Kingdom of God
Christianity today and the commandments
The greatest commandments, according to Jesus, are to love God and to love one another
This is an essential part of Christian teaching and is just as relevant to Christians today as it was at the time of Jesus
The first commandment shows that loving God should be the priority of both Jews and Christians
Nothing should be more important to religious believers than their relationship with God
The second commandment shows that love of neighbour is also important
For Jews, the “love of neighbour” in Leviticus would have applied to fellow Jews. But for Jesus, “neighbour” meant all human beings
This rule is often referred to as the Golden Rule
It is almost universally accepted today by both religious and non-religious people
Christians believe that Jesus set the example of love for God and neighbour through his own teachings and actions
Christians believe that through Jesus, they see God’s love, and they should show this love to others
The type of love Jesus is teaching about is known as agape love. This means unconditional, selfless love: the same type of love that God shows humanity
As a consequence of this command, many Christians throughout history have devoted themselves to a life of service to others, such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Worked Example
According to Jesus, what are the two greatest commandments?
A. To obey the Sabbath and keep it holy, and to love your neighbour as yourself
B. To honour your father and mother, and to love God with all your heart
C. To love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself
D. To avoid murder and adultery, and to love God above all things
[1 mark]
Answer:
Correct answer: C. To love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself
Jesus combines the Shema (love God fully) with Leviticus (love your neighbour) as the most important commandments. A, B and D all contain real commandments, but none capture Jesus’s full answer.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When answering 4-mark or larger questions on the greatest commandments, don’t just list them. Examiners reward answers that explain their meaning and importance. Show that Jesus taught the love of God and one’s neighbour as the foundation of all other laws. Link to the idea of agape love (selfless love) and the Golden Rule. You’ll also get credit for showing how belief links to practice, so give examples of how believers can show they are following these commandments in their lives.
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