How Many Commandments Did Jesus Give in the New Testament
Today we will talk about how many commandments did Jesus give in the New Testament. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be in the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. The commandments that Jesus imparted to His followers serve as the foundation of our faith and guide us in how we are meant to live our lives. It is essential to explore the teachings of Jesus, to understand their meanings and implications, and to see how they relate to the commands given throughout scripture. By understanding these commandments, we can lead lives that reflect the love and grace of God, honoring Jesus’ teachings and putting them into practice. With this understanding, we can draw closer to Christ and deepen our relationship with Him, which ultimately transforms ourselves and our communities.
The Great Commandment: Love God and Love Others
As we uncover the number of commandments that Jesus gave, we must first consider the two central commandments often seen as foundational: to love God and to love our neighbors. These commandments summarize the expectations of God while encompassing a range of teachings touched upon throughout the New Testament. In the Hebrew language, the word for love is “אהבה” (ahavah), and it refers to a deep, abiding affection and devotion. In the Greek New Testament, the word for love is “ἀγάπη” (agape), which describes selfless, unconditional love—as modeled perfectly by Jesus Himself. The historical view holds that these two commandments are not merely a set of laws but reflect the essence of God’s character and intentions for humanity.
In the Gospel of Matthew, when asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 ESV). This commandment emphasizes a total commitment to God—a heartfelt, soul-deep love that abides by the first part of God’s message. Following this, Jesus continued, “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39 ESV). Here, Jesus brilliantly encapsulated the essence of God’s moral instruction. This dual command serves as the foundation of all other moral behavior Christians are called to follow, as Jesus clarified, “On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:40 ESV).
The significance of these commandments cannot be overstated. Loving God with all our being incorporates our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It means prioritizing God and allowing Him to be the focal point of our lives. When we genuinely love God, it leads to an overflow of love for others, influencing our relationships and society as a whole. In 1 John 4:19, it states, “We love because he first loved us” (ESV), underscoring that our love for others is a reflection of the love we receive from God.
In addition, in John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (ESV). Here, Jesus acts as the ultimate model of love, making it clear that our love for one another reveals our identity as His followers. This new perspective on the commandments encourages us to make love the hallmark of our faith.
Through Jesus’ emphasis on love, we are continually reminded of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and kindness within our communities. The call to love relentlessly is a challenge that invites us to extend grace, embrace diversity, and promote unity in an often-divided world.
The Commandment to Share the Good News
Jesus not only established the command to love but also commissioned His followers to share the Good News with others. This commandment stands as a reminder that a Christian’s faith is not merely a personal experience but an invitation for all. The Greek word “εὐαγγέλιον” (euangelion), meaning “good news,” encapsulates the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and the hope that can be found in Him. The historical perspective on this command reflects Jesus’ intention to reveal that the kingdom of God is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
In the Gospel of Matthew, as recorded at the end of the book, Jesus specifically commands His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19 ESV). This commission is known as the Great Commission and truly reflects His desire for all people to experience God’s love and grace.
Furthermore, in Mark 16:15, Jesus instructs, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (ESV). These passages highlight the urgency of sharing the message of hope and transformation that Jesus embodied. It is not simply a task for a select few; instead, it is a calling for every believer, urging us to convey the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection through our actions and words.
The command to evangelize indicates that sharing our faith can take many forms. It can be through acts of kindness, serving our communities, and engaging in meaningful conversations. In Romans 10:14, Paul raises the question, “And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (ESV), reminding us that our voices and lives are powerful instruments in advancing God’s kingdom. When we take the time to share our testimony and the transformative message of Jesus with others, we contribute to the overall mission of love which He has commissioned us to fulfill.
The Commandments of Forgiveness
A significant aspect of Jesus’ commandments relates to the theme of forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes forgiveness not only as a command but as a radical lifestyle choice for those who follow Him. The root of the word forgiveness in Greek, “ἀφίημι” (aphiēmi), translates as “to let go” or “to send away.” This definition paints a picture of releasing both the burden of past grievances and the prejudices we carry. Historical views highlight forgiveness as integral to reconciliation—restoring the relationship between God and humanity redeemed through Christ.
In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus reminds us, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (ESV). This powerful statement conveys that forgiveness is not optional; it is a commanding expectation for those who claim to follow Christ. We see in Matthew 18:21-22, when Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him—up to seven times? Jesus replies, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (ESV). Jesus’ response emphasizes that forgiveness should not be limited but given freely and abundantly, just as we have received God’s grace.
In Luke 6:37, we find further instruction: “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (ESV). Here, Jesus reminds us that our willingness to forgive others directly correlates with experiencing God’s forgiveness in our own lives. This command invites us to cultivate a heart of compassion and understanding, liberating us from resentment and anger.
For many, forgiveness can be one of the hardest commandments to obey. However, it is essential for spiritual growth, personal healing, and community relationships. By choosing to forgive, we follow Jesus’ example as He offered forgiveness even on the cross (Luke 23:34). The implications of this command are transformative; when we forgive, we not only reflect God’s character but also reveal the love and mercy that are integral to our faith. It’s essential to recognize that forgiveness does not mean condoning sin but rather releasing our right to hold onto the offense.
The Commandment of Faithfulness
Faithfulness also stands as a key aspect of Jesus’ commandments. The call to be steadfast in our commitment to God encompasses loyalty and trust in His promises. In Hebrew, the word for faithfulness, “אמונה” (emunah), suggests reliability and trustworthiness. In the New Testament, the Greek word “πίστις” (pistis) encompasses both faith and faithfulness, indicating an active engagement with God and His teachings. Historical views emphasize that faithfulness to God leads to a life rooted in trust and obedience, transforming not only our hearts but also impacting those around us.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus showcases the importance of remaining faithful in various parables, such as the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where the servants are rewarded based on how well they managed what their master entrusted to them. Jesus underscores that faithfulness in small matters reflects a character worthy of greater responsibility and blessings in His kingdom.
In Luke 16:10, He states, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” (ESV). This principle governs our whole lives; obedience to God’s commands happens in the everyday, seemingly mundane choices we make. Therefore, living a life of faithfulness means making choices aligned with God’s values and principles thoroughly embodied in the teachings of Jesus.
Moreover, in John 15:5, Jesus emphasizes our dependence on Him: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (ESV). Here, faithfulness is tied to our relationship with Christ. To be fruitful is to depend on the source of our strength, Jesus, as we navigate the complexities of life. It’s a reminder that faithfulness isn’t rooted in our own abilities but in an ongoing, consistent relationship with Him.
Faithfulness extends beyond our relationship with God to include remaining committed to our call as His followers, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (ESV). This extends into how we treat others, serve in our communities, and exhibit integrity. The act of faithfulness challenges us to remain committed even when it’s difficult, embodying the character of Christ in our actions and relationships. Ultimately, these commands reflect His heart and guide us toward a life marked by love, forgiveness, confidence and resilience.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Jesus provided us with commandments that encapsulate the essence of our faith. He instructed us to love God and one another, which serves as the foundation of how we should live our lives. Additionally, He called us to share the Good News with others, reaching out in love and compassion. Jesus also emphasized the importance of forgiveness and faithfulness, reminding us that these attributes are essential for our spiritual growth and relationships.
As we strive to follow Jesus’ commandments, we learn that they are not burdensome rules but rather vital ways to engage with God and others. his directives lead us to deeper connections, vibrant faith, and a commitment to live out the love that Christ has shown us.
Let us resolve to embrace these commandments wholeheartedly, allowing them to transform not only our hearts but also the world around us. Whether in our families, churches, or communities, we can embody the teachings of Jesus and reflect His love in all we do!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4