But Jesus did not come solely to update the scribes to Shema 2.0, he came to do what was even more important – to fulfill permanently the role of the priests. As we heard in the reading from Hebrews, Jesus entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. Jesus came not primarily to DEMAND love for God FROM the people, but to SHOW God's love FOR the people. Jesus came not primarily to question the way to the Father, but to BECOME the way to the Father, replacing mere obedience to commandments with DISCIPLESHIP. Jesus came to transplant the faith in God, from the HEADS of the people, to the HEARTS of his saints.
Because that is where we respond to Jesus' love, from the heart! We respond by rejoicing in the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, and the Spirit's work in changing us to become more Christlike in discipleship. We respond by forwarding the love of Jesus to our neighbours, showing them his presence through our DEEDS, and not our amazing body of KNOWLEDGE. We respond by loving God with EVERYTHING WE HAVE – as saints – and as citizens of the kingdom of God.
Gracious God, we thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who brings us eternal redemption, and calls us to be saints. Help us to respond with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, in Jesus' name, amen.