24 May 2020 (am) – Mark 12:28-34
 | Andy Bruins preaching from Mark on Sunday 24th May 2020. |
Mark 12:28-34 The Greatest Command
This is the third and final of 3 questions asked by groups from the Sanhedrin to try and trap Jesus in His words. However, it has the appearance of being unplanned, and it looks to be an honest enquiry.
It comes from a Scribe (a teacher of the Law) and He want Jesus to clarify which commandment from God is above all others.
Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 6 and from Leviticus 19 to show that the most important thing is whole-hearted love for God and after that, loving your neighbour as yourself.
The Scribe agrees and acknowledges that this is more important than sacrifices and offerings. And because of this understanding, Jesus declares him to be “not far from the kingdom of God” (v34).
Summary: Jesus points out that there is nothing more important than loving God and loving your neighbour. Offerings and sacrifices are no substitute for these things.
Q Take a look at the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. How is Jesus’ answer a perfect summary of God’s law?
Q Jesus goes back to the books of Moses (Genesis to Deuteronomy) to teach us about what is most important. What implications does this have for us when we read these books?
Q Do you think it’s actually possible to keep these commands perfectly?
Q Why does Jesus say this man is, “not far from the Kingdom of God”? What must he do to actually enter it?
