Why Verse 40 Matters in Matthew 22

There is a place to discuss biblical interpretation, and a time to have discussion around differences in belief and hermeneutics. Careful exegesis will bring about a more meaningful and sound understanding. And then there is a time to call out what is a disgraceful, downright blasphemous use of something sacred to justify something inhumane, cruel, and sinful.

As an ordained person in ministry, I cannot remain silent about what was stated today. For Jeff Sessions to use words from Paul’s letters to insist that taking children away from their parents is “rooted” biblically, is a disgrace and an affront to Jesus himself and all that is Christlike. It is uninformed. It is uninformed as well for Sanders to reference laws in the bible as a defense of Sessions’ statement. Having laws in place that benefit society is one thing, but there is nothing biblical about enforcing *unjust* laws and oppressive practices excused as “law and order”. Jesus would be the first to choose compassion and mercy, even in the face of leadership shouting about laws in his ears. Jesus would never stand by any child at the border being ripped away from their parents because of “law”.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Matthew 22:40. Why? Because it is almost as important as the ones preceding it in 37-39. 37 “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Verse 40 often gets overlooked, and given what was atrociously stated by Sessions and Sanders today, this is essential: On these two commandments hang ALL the law and the prophets. All. ALL. “All the law and the prophets.” In other words, it is using the lens of Christ and the radical message of love, mercy, and compassion that gives us the wisdom to know better when something doesn’t align with 37-39. What is more important than our belief systems around scripture is that we *live* according to the teaching of Christ. Every word in the bible and beyond must be filtered through those two commandments. If it is not aligned, as verse 40 instructs, it is not of God. Sessions and Sanders spoke today in direct opposition to the Gospel. And so, let us respond in the spirit of:

Dtr. 10:18-19

Mt. 25:31-46

Lk. 4:16-21

Eph. 2:11-22

Is. 10:1

Mt. 25:43

Lk. 10:37

And many more…