A Sincere Question. Mark 12:28-34.
And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all? “Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. “‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and 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. “And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. “And to love him with the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. “And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Dear People Who Belong to God,
Not every scribe, Pharisee, Sadducee, and Herodian was against Jesus. Some were willing to listen and learn, and they discovered that Jesus was gracious to the sincere.
Interest (v. 28). A scribe who was watching the ongoing drama between Jesus and his detractors noticed that Jesus’ answers were well thought out. His question to Jesus was not easier than the ones the others had asked, but his attitude was different. He saw in Jesus someone who could provide wisdom to what must have been a pervasive debate among the scribes, the Pharisees, and the rabbis. He came with an open mind.
Instruction (v. 29-31).Jesus responded to the scribe’s question without rebuking him, as he had others. The Ten Commandments are about our relationships with God and fellow man. The first four deal with love, devotion, and obedience to God; the last six with love and fairness to others. The answer Jesus gives brings this out clearly.
Impact (v. 32-33). The scribe responded to Jesus’ answer with praise. He acknowledged the truth of what Jesus had said and even added his own application – that to do what Jesus had said was superior to offerings and sacrifices. This man stands out for his honesty. His attitude is what we all should have.
Invitation (v. 34). The man still lacked something. He had acknowledged the truth, but was he willing to commit his life to Jesus, the embodiment of that truth? Jesus’ statement should be seen in this light. It is an invitation to take one more step and make a faith commitment. To acknowledge the truth and not make a faith commitment to Jesus would leave one very close to the kingdom, but still outside! Have you made a faith commitment yet? Do not remain “close,” get in. This account ends the disputings with opponents but leaves them still unbelieving. Every question was answered well, but the detractors remained in their unbelief. Do not fool yourself. If you claim that you do not believe because of some unanswered question, remember the Pharisees, the scribes, the Sadducees, the Herodians, and the chief priests.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.