The Great Commandment
Mark 12:28-34 (ESV) 28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.30 And 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 neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
The Didache (pronounced did-ə-kay) is one of the earliest curriculums (before 300 A.D) used to teach Christians the tenants of their faith. The word Didache means “teaching” and is shortened from its full title, “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.”
Imagine a time where scrolls weren’t readily available for individuals (books weren’t invented yet) and the Bible as we know it was not even completely compiled. The Didache helped people could commit to memory concise summaries of important teachings. In fact, they had to memorize and recite Chapters 1-6 before they could be baptized!
If someone asked about my faith, I would probably start by saying I’m a Jesus follower. I might talk about how He died on the cross for our sins, rose again on the third day and will one day return to restore the earth. I might talk about how we are all sinners who have fallen short of God’s glory but because of God’s love for the world, whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
I think these are all important precepts, but I find it intriguing that the earliest Christian curriculum we have doesn’t start there. The Didache starts with “the way of life and death” and ultimately centers around the greatest commandments. Jesus is scarcely mentioned, but His fingerprints are all over this teaching. While the Didache fell short of being added to our Christian Bible, it does shed light into how important the actions of Jesus’ followers were to the early Christian church. It reminds me of the St. Francis of Assisi attributed quote, "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."
Yes, we are sinners saved by grace! But we will be much closer to the kingdom of God when our actions follow the commandments prescribed by our savior: Loving God and Loving Others!
In Christ,
Ray
Below is Chapter 1 (of 16) of the Didache…enjoy!
Chapter 1. The Two Ways; The First Commandment
There are two ways, one of life and one of death; but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, your neighbour as yourself; and all things whatsoever you would should not occur to you, do not also do to another. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there, if you love those who love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone gives you a blow upon your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes away your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one that asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he that gives according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receives; for if one having need receives, he is guiltless; but he that receives not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement), he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing. Matthew 5:26 But also now concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.