The answer is: God and your neighbour

Luke 10:25-26

In Luke 10:25-26, Jesus highlights a relational framework that is foundational to ethical living. When asked what the greatest commandment was, He essentially points to the intertwined love for God and neighbors. This creates a divine hierarchy—God, our first love, who influences all our other relationships.

Interestingly, Jesus' teaching echoes the words of the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 6:5, we're told to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, marking love for God as a profound commitment. Then, Leviticus 19:18 advises us not to seek vengeance or bear a grudge but to love our neighbors as ourselves. Clearly, this principle of neighborly love runs deep in the Jewish tradition!

Historically speaking, Jesus’ assertion was revolutionary. At a time when societal values were often focused on personal gain, His response reshaped priorities toward community and divine devotion. It wasn’t just about lofty worship; it ensured that love for God translates into real-world actions.

Trivia fans might find it fascinating that one of the earliest mentions of communal support appears in the passage often called the Good Samaritan, also from Luke 10. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate how even those outside conventional societal definitions of "neighbor" deserve love and kindness. This profound connection between how we treat others and how we express our love for God remains an invigorating core of ethical teachings today!