Michlaude Discipleship Project

Part 2: What Jesus Commands

The Foundation: The Two Great Commands

Before we organize Jesus' commands into categories, you need to understand that everything flows from two foundational commands.

"Jesus said to him, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

— Matthew 22:37–40 (NET)

Command 1: Love God with Everything

Deuteronomy 6:5 (Jesus is quoting the Old Testament):

"You must love the LORD your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength."

— Deuteronomy 6:5 (NET)

Notice what Jesus has the authority to command: Love the LORD your God.

He's commanding you to love YHWH — the God whose name He claims (the "I AM" from Part 1). Jesus is commanding you to love the God that He IS.

What this means practically:

  • Heart: Your affections, desires, emotions — love God more than anything
  • Soul: Your will, your choices, your allegiance — submit everything to Him
  • Mind: Your thoughts, intellect, worldview — think biblically about everything
  • Strength: Your energy, resources, body — use everything for His glory

This is total allegiance. Nothing held back. Nothing compartmentalized.

Command 2: Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Leviticus 19:18 (Jesus is quoting the Old Testament again): "You must love your neighbor as yourself."

Not "as much as yourself." As yourself. With the same instinctive care, protection, and provision you give to your own needs.

Who is your neighbor? Everyone. But especially:

  • Fellow believers (Galatians 6:10 — "especially toward those who belong to the family of faith")
  • The vulnerable (Matthew 25:31–46 — "the least of these")
  • Your enemies (Matthew 5:44 — "love your enemy")

All other commands flow from these two.

When you love God supremely, you'll obey Him. When you love your neighbor as yourself, you'll serve, forgive, give, speak truth, protect, and sacrifice for them.

Every command below is an application of these two foundational commands.