Jesus Christ taught the “greatest commandment” in the following Biblical account.
Mark 12
[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?
[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.
[31] And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
* * *
Most Christians rightly conclude that loving the Lord God is the greatest commandment.
But Jesus’ preface statement is essential, “Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.”
This declaration is called the “Shema.”
Jesus also taught “I and my Father are one” in John 10:30.
* * *
Shema means “listen and obey” in Hebrew.
The term Shema is used by extension to the whole part of the prayers that commences with Shema Yisrael and comprises Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37–41.
In ancient times, the Kohanim, who were Jewish priests, recited the Shema in Solomon’s temple.
Devout Jews repeat the Shema in the morning and at night.
Sh’ma Yis’ra’eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.
Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.
Barukh sheim k’vod malkhuto l’olam va’ed.
Blessed be the Name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever.
* * *
Please listen to these versions.
Shema.mp3 Courtesy of: Wildolive Sound Files
And please learn to recite the Shema yourself in Hebrew.
* * *
– Tom Irvine