The greatest commandment and David's Lord in Matthew 22

The lectionary reading for the so-called ‘Last Sunday after Trinity’ as we near the end of Year A is Matthew 22.34–46. Having had three symbolic actions from Jesus (entering the city, overturning the tables, withering the fig tree) and three parables (the two sons, the wicked tenants, the wedding banquet), we have now reached the third of three hostile questions to Jesus.

The third asks for a summary of the law, before Jesus turns the tables and poses a question to his opponents. How he answers, and the question he asks, offer fascinating insight into our own reading of Scripture and understanding of Jesus. Come and join Ian and James as they explore this.

Revd James Blandford-Baker is vicar of Histon and Impington, two villages just north of Cambridge. Revd Dr Ian Paul is Associate Minister of St Nic's, Nottingham, and writes the widely-read blog www.psephizo.com. Full written commentary behind the discussion can be found on the blog each week.