The Shema Transcends Both the Old and New Testaments
By Zach3000, 2nd Feb 2012 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutFamilyReligion
Have you ever heard of the Shema? If you are Jewish, then you probably have. But for the Christian, the word Shema may be new, but the verses it represents should be very familiar, since it defines the perfect faith of both a Jew and a Christian.
- What is the Shema?
- The Shema Quoted in the New Testament by Jesus
- The Importance of the Shema
- Don't Get Lost In Translation
- More Content For the Interested Reader
What is the Shema?
Jews not only take the Old Testament as their Scriptures, but they find their spiritual identity in them.
One passage in particular defines the Jewish identity, which is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which says: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
To the Jew, these verses are commonly referred to as the Shema.
Shema in Hebrew means either to "Hear" or to "Listen and do."
Is your faith identified with action, as seen in the Shema?
The Shema Quoted in the New Testament by Jesus
Approximately 10% of the New Testament is derived from quotes and allusions from the Old Testament.
The Shema (Deut. 6:4-5) is quoted by Jesus in Mark 12:28-34 as part of the Great Commandment. This passage is below:
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”
“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
The Importance of the Shema
Now, let's talk about the importance of the Shema.
The whole concept of loving God is easy to miss. Many people say that they love God, they follow God, and even identify as a Christian, but don't love Him as instructed in the Shema; wholeheartedly.
The ultimate truth is that when one becomes a Christian, that doesn't mean that the desires of the flesh leave the body. Trust me, they don't.
You still have to make a conscious decision everyday to seek the Lord.
If a Christian does not choose to give everything to God, he will not have the abundant life as promised in the Bible, and the essence of the Shema will not be attained.
If you want to fully experience the life God intended for you, love Him with all of your heart, soul, and strength.
Don't Get Lost In Translation
God desires faithful followers. Heaven will be filled with people who love Him.
Satan would rather that you believe in nothing and go to Hell, a place reserved for him and his fallen angels - not you.
God desires for all to come to know Him. Sin separates you from Him.
All it takes from you is a choice to follow Him. Ask God in prayer for forgiveness for your wrongdoings, and turn away (repent) from your sins.
He died on the cross in your place, sacrificing His own self because he loves you that much. This is the gospel, and this message of salvation is for every man of every nation.
"We love because He first loved us." -1 John 4:19
More Content For the Interested Reader
If you enjoyed reading this article, below are five more Wikinut articles that will boost your knowledge about God and help you grow spiritually:
Comments
2nd Feb 2012 (#)
Thank you Zach 3000, this was a refreshing input for all believers, both Christian as well as non Christians. I am well aware of the Shema doctrine in your article and enjoyed a re-visit.
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2nd Feb 2012 (#)
Shema y'isroael, Adonoi elohainu, Adonoi echod. Ahmein.
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2nd Feb 2012 (#)
Tranquilpen said everything that there is to be said about this wonderful, enlightening article, Zach 3000.
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4th Feb 2012 (#)
Zach: Thank you for writing about the Shema doctrine. I appreciate you explaining the teachings.
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