Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 22:36

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" — Matthew 22:36 (ASV)

According to the Rabbis, there were many commandments that were secondary and others that were of the first importance. They often put commands, which really were comparatively small, on a par with those that were greatest.

One of them even ventured to say that the commands of the Rabbis were more important than the commands of the Law, because the commands of the Law were little and great, but all the commands of the Rabbis were great. Some of them regarded eating with unwashed hands as being as great a crime as murder, and they would classify the rubbing of ears of corn together on the Sabbath day with adultery, so that they caused great confusion as to the real order of moral precepts.

It was, therefore, most desirable to get from this wise Teacher, whom the scribe addressed as “Master,” an authoritative answer to the question, “Which is the great commandment in the law?” The inquiry was one that would be sure to entangle the Savior if He did not answer it wisely, and in this way the lawyer tempted, tested, tried, and proved Him.

Blessed be His dear name, He can stand any test to which He may be put! Satan tempted, tested, and tried Him to the utmost of his power, but even he never found any flaw, or fault, or failing in Him.