Best Ever

Hand out a pencil and paper to each youth.

We all have many rules in our lives. Some of these might be a curfew, taking out the trash, caring for a younger sibling, getting up at a certain time, or going to Mass on Sunday. Take a few minutes to write down a list of all the rules you have to follow. Try to come up with at least twelve.

After they’ve written their lists, ask them to look at their rules.

Which rule do you think is the most important?

Take some time to discuss this. Make sure everyone has a chance to share their thoughts.

Read the Gospel:

Mark 12:28B-34 (Jesus identifies the Great Commandment) – the Gospel Reading for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?”

Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Mark 12:28B-34

It’s important to remember that Jesus was a faithful Jew and even a teacher. He grew up knowing the Jewish laws and traditions, just like all the people around Him. The Old Testament, especially the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, contains many laws that guided the daily lives of the Israelites after they left Egypt. These laws covered everything from how to worship God to how to treat others, especially the vulnerable like widows, orphans, and the poor.

When a scribe asked Jesus which law was the greatest, it wasn’t a simple question. There were many laws Jesus could have chosen. The scribe was probably curious to see how Jesus would prioritize them. But Jesus didn’t hesitate. He knew exactly what the greatest commandment was and why it mattered most.

Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5:

Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

This is known as the Shema Yisrael, which is a key part of Jewish prayer life. The Shema is recited twice daily by observant Jews, reminding them of their devotion to the one true God. It’s a declaration of faith in God’s oneness and a call to love Him with everything we have—our heart, soul, and strength.

But Jesus didn’t stop there. He added a second commandment, also from the Old Testament. He quoted Leviticus 19:18:

Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your own people. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:18

This commandment is about how we treat others, and it was just as important in Jewish law as the first. It reflects the many Old Testament laws that emphasized caring for others, especially those who are vulnerable. For the Jewish people, loving others wasn’t just a nice idea—it was a serious responsibility.

By combining these two commandments, Jesus was teaching something powerful. He wasn’t saying that the other laws didn’t matter. Instead, He was showing that these two commandments are the foundation for all the others. Loving God and loving others are at the heart of what it means to live a faithful life. Without love, the rest of the laws become just a list of rules to follow, and that’s not what God wants. He wants our actions to flow from a place of love.

This is something we can all relate to in our own lives. Think about all those rules you have to follow every day. Maybe you have a curfew, or you have to help around the house, or you have to go to Mass on Sunday. Sometimes, these rules can feel like a burden, just things we have to do because someone told us to. But what if we looked at them differently? What if we thought about how these rules help us love God, love others, and even love ourselves?

For example, having a curfew might seem annoying, but it’s there to keep you safe. When your parents set a curfew, they’re showing their love for you by making sure you’re not out late where you could get into trouble. By following that curfew, you’re not just obeying a rule—you’re showing love and respect for your parents and caring for yourself.

Going to Mass on Sunday is another rule that might seem like just an obligation, but it’s so much more. Mass is a time to connect with God, to hear His word, and to receive the Eucharist. It’s an essential part of keeping our relationship with God strong. When we make the effort to go to Mass, even when we don’t feel like it, we’re putting God first and showing our love for Him.

And what about taking care of your little sister? Maybe you have to watch her when your parents are busy or help her with her homework. This might feel like a chore, but it’s really an opportunity to show love. Your sister relies on you because she’s younger and needs your help. By taking care of her, you’re practicing the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. You’re looking out for someone who is vulnerable and showing her that she is loved.

The truth is, all these rules we follow have a deeper meaning when we see them through the lens of the Great Commandment. They’re not just about doing what we’re told—they’re about growing in love. Love for God, love for others, and love for ourselves. When we start to see our actions this way, the rules we follow every day become meaningful. They help us live out our faith in real, practical ways.

So, the next time you’re frustrated by a rule or feel like it’s just something you have to do, take a step back. Think about how that rule might be helping you to love better. Remember that Jesus taught us that love is the greatest commandment of all. Everything else in our lives should be rooted in that love. When we live this way, we’re not just following rules—we’re living the way God intended, with love at the center of everything we do.

Sharing in small groups allows everyone to participate and learn from each other’s experiences. In small groups, youth can talk openly about thoughts and questions, listen to others, and deepen their understanding of the Great Commandment.

Here are some questions to get your discussion started:

• How can you remind yourself to put love for God and others at the center of everything you do?
• What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind? How can you do this in your daily life?
• How do you show love to your neighbors? Can you think of a time when it was difficult to do so?
• Why do you think Jesus said that loving others is as important as loving God? How are the two connected?
• How can following the Great Commandment change the way you see rules and responsibilities in your life?
• What are some ways that your love for God can help you make better decisions?
• How do you think loving yourself fits into the Great Commandment? Why is it important?
• Can you think of any situations where it’s hard to love others? How can you overcome those challenges?
• How does going to Mass and participating in the Sacraments help you live out the Great Commandment?
• What are some practical ways you can show love to others in your school, community, or family?

This week, when you come across a rule that you’d rather ignore or find frustrating, take a moment to think about how it connects to the Great Commandment. Ask yourself how this rule might be helping you love God or love others. Even if it seems small or insignificant, try to see it as an opportunity to grow in your faith.

For example, if you have to do a chore at home, consider how doing it can show love and respect for your family. Or if you have to study for a test, think about how doing your best honors the gifts and opportunities God has given you.

Instead of just following the rule out of obligation, turn it into a prayer. Talk to God about what you’re doing and why it matters. Ask Him to help you see the bigger picture and to give you the strength to follow through with love in your heart.

By turning these everyday tasks into acts of love, you’re living out the Great Commandment in a real and practical way. Each time you do this, you’re not just following a rule—you’re actively choosing to love God and others, making your daily life a form of prayer and worship.

As we conclude our time together, let’s focus on the Great Commandment that we’ve discussed. We’ll start by praying the Shema Yisrael, which reminds us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength. Then, we’ll pray the Our Father, asking God to guide us in living out His commandments each day.

Shema Yisrael:

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.

Our Father:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

May these prayers strengthen our commitment to love God and our neighbors, and guide us in following the Great Commandment in all that we do.

Themes for the Best Ever Lesson Plan on the Great Commandment

• Love for God: This lesson highlights the importance of loving God above all else. It shows that our relationship with God is central to our faith. Everything we do should flow from this love.
• Love for Others: Jesus teaches that loving our neighbors is also important. This lesson encourages youth to see how they can show love and care for others in their daily lives. It connects this to their Catholic faith.
• Foundation of Commandments: The Great Commandment is the foundation of all other commandments. This lesson helps youth understand that following other rules makes sense when rooted in love for God and others. It keeps the focus on what truly matters.
• Living Faith Daily: This lesson shows that faith is lived out in daily actions. It encourages youth to connect their everyday choices with their love for God and others. This makes their faith more active and real.
• Understanding Rules: Youth learn that rules are not just chores. Instead, they are ways to grow closer to God and care for others. This lesson gives meaning to following rules in their lives.
• Importance of Prayer: The lesson connects the Great Commandment to prayer. Youth see that prayer is a way to express love for God and seek His guidance. It encourages them to make prayer a regular part of their lives.
• Building Relationships: Loving others is about building strong, positive relationships. This lesson emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. It helps youth see how they can make a difference in their communities.
• Catholic Social Teaching: The lesson ties into Catholic teachings about justice and care for the vulnerable. Youth learn that loving others means helping those in need. This reflects the broader mission of the Church.
• Moral Decision Making: The Great Commandment guides youth in making moral choices. By focusing on love for God and others, they learn to choose what is right. This lesson provides a strong moral foundation.
• Personal Growth: The lesson encourages personal growth in faith. By focusing on love, youth develop a deeper connection with God and a better understanding of themselves. This growth is essential to living a faithful Catholic life.

Background Material for the Best Ever Lesson Plan on the Great Commandment

The Great Commandment is central to Catholic teaching and serves as the foundation for living out our faith. When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, He responded by quoting two important Old Testament scriptures. The first comes from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as the Shema, which says, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” The second is from Leviticus 19:18, which commands us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus teaches that these two commandments sum up all the laws and the prophets (Matthew 22:40).

The Great Commandment is not just another rule; it is the core of Christian life. Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind means putting God first in everything. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment to live according to God’s will. It means worshiping God, praying regularly, and seeking to know Him better. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “The first commandment summons man to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him above all else” (CCC 2134). This love for God naturally leads us to love others because all people are made in the image of God.

Loving our neighbor as ourselves means treating others with the same care and respect we desire. It calls us to be kind, forgiving, and just in our dealings with others. This love extends beyond just our friends and family to include strangers and even those we find difficult to love. The Catechism states, “The second commandment is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ … This commandment is expressed in positive terms of charity towards our neighbor” (CCC 2196, 2198). The Church teaches that our love for others reflects our love for God and is essential to living a Christian life.

The Great Commandment also ties into the broader teachings of the Church, especially Catholic Social Teaching. Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes the dignity of every human person and our responsibility to care for the vulnerable, such as the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. When we love our neighbor, we are called to work for justice and peace in our communities. This love is not just about avoiding harm but actively seeking the good of others.

In the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we find the strength to live out the Great Commandment. The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life, where we are united with Christ and with one another in love. As we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, we are called to go out and love others as He has loved us.

In conclusion, the Great Commandment is at the heart of Catholic teaching. It guides our relationship with God and others and provides a clear path for living a faithful Christian life. By following this commandment, we fulfill the purpose of all other commandments and laws. Jesus Himself showed us how to live this commandment through His life, death, and resurrection, and He calls us to do the same in our daily lives. The Great Commandment is not just a rule to follow but a way of life that leads us closer to God and to eternal life with Him.

Music Suggestions for the Best Ever Lesson Plan on the Great Commandment

• The Greatest Commandment by The Porter’s Gate
• Can We Love? by Tom Booth
• All the People Said Amen by Matt Maher

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

For more free lesson plans and reflections like this one on the Great Commandment, visit our website. We offer a variety of resources to help teachers, youth ministers, and catechists engage youth in their faith. These lesson plans are designed to be easy to use and meaningful for young people. Check out our collection to find more ways to help your group grow in love for God and others. Explore all of our free resources at Young Catholics.