Simplicity and Mystery in the two greatest commandments

When Jesus is asked in Matthew 22 about which is the greatest commandment in the law, he gives an answer that seems to be very simple: Love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself. Yet this simple answer leads us into mysterious and beautiful territory, as we enter a response to God's initiating covenant love for us. Just as in mathematics, simple rules can sometimes lead to great complexity and beauty (think of the Mandelbrot Set), so Jesus' seemingly simple 'Two Greatest Commandments'  lead to a Christian ethical response that is both complex, nuanced, and beautiful. This sermon was preached at St John's Southgate Lutheran Church on Sunday 23rd October. Enjoy!