Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 22:38

"This is the great and first commandment." — Matthew 22:38 (ASV)

This is the first and great commandment. This commandment is found in Deuteronomy 6:5. It is the first and greatest of all; first, not in order of time, but of importance; greatest in dignity, in excellence, in extent, and duration. It is the fountain of all others. All beings are to be loved according to their excellence. As God is the most excellent and glorious of all beings, He is to be loved supremely. If He is loved rightly, then our affections will be directed towards all created objects in a right manner.