*Mark 12:28-37
Jesus engages in a dialogue with a scribe who asks him about the greatest commandment.
- The Greatest Commandment:
- A scribe, impressed by Jesus’ wisdom in previous discussions, asks Him which commandment is the greatest.
- Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5, emphasizing that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- He adds that the second greatest commandment is to love one’s neighbor as oneself, quoting Leviticus 19:18.
- Jesus concludes that no other commandment is greater than these.
- The Scribe’s Response:
- The scribe agrees with Jesus, reiterating the importance of these commandments over all burnt offerings and sacrifices.
- Jesus commends the scribe for his understanding, telling him that he is “not far from the kingdom of God.”
- Discussion on the Messiah:
- After this interaction, Jesus teaches in the temple and challenges the prevailing interpretation of the Messiah as merely David’s son.
- He quotes Psalm 110:1, where David himself refers to the Messiah as “Lord,” suggesting a higher status than just a descendant of David.
- This teaching raises questions about the nature and authority of the Messiah, indicating a deeper, more divine aspect than commonly understood.
- Reaction of the Crowd:
- The crowd listens eagerly to Jesus’ teachings, appreciating His insights and the authoritative way He addresses complex theological issues.
Mark 12:28-37 teaches us that the most important commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love others as ourselves. This means putting God first in our lives and treating people with kindness, respect, and compassion. When we focus on loving God, it shapes our choices and attitudes, helping us live with purpose and integrity. Loving others means being patient, forgiving, and willing to help, even when it’s not easy. By following these commands, we build stronger relationships and reflect God’s love in our daily lives.
Mark 12:28-37 (WEB)
12:28 One of the scribes came and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?”29 Jesus answered, “The greatest is: ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 The second is like this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”32 The scribe said to him, “Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he; 33 and to love him with all the heart, with all the understanding, all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.”No one dared ask him any question after that. 35 Jesus responded, as he taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36 For David himself said in the Holy Spirit,‘The Lord said to my Lord,“Sit at my right hand,until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.” ’37 Therefore David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?”The common people heard him gladly.