Sunday, June 23, 2013

Mark 12:28-31

Passage

A scribe came upon Jesus as He was arguing with the Pharisees.  He heard Jesus’ answer and determined that He had answered well.  So he asked Jesus which of the commandments was the most important.  Jesus replied that the most important commandment is Deuteronomy 6:4-5.  The Lord our God is one.  We should love the Lord our God with our whole heart, soul, and mind.  Jesus then adds Leviticus 19:18, which says we should love our neighbor as ourselves.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

A scribe hears Jesus’ debate with the Sadducees and decides to try his luck at Jesus.  Note here that there is no assumption of trying to trap Jesus.  This is an honest question, and Jesus gives the scribe an honest reply that contains no accusation or judgment.

What can we learn about how our use of the truth in one situation can lead to other people seeking truth from us?  Does it make sense that when we stand up for truth in our life that we will get more opportunities to stand up for truth?

Second Thought:

Jesus’ answer is rooted in love.  When we love God, we feel God’s love within.  God’s love makes us whole.  God’s love allows us to see our brokenness.  God’s love allows us to feel His completeness.  Everything is rooted in God’s love and the return of God’s love by us to Him.

Do you love God with your whole heart, soul, and mind?  How does that appear in your life?  How can you be a model of this principle for others? 

Third Thought:

Jesus then talks about the love of our neighbor.  When we love God and our neighbor, we don’t covet, or steal, or lie, or cheat, or murder, or act adulterously.  When we love God and our neighbor, the whole rest of the Law falls neatly into place.  When we simply remember these two principles, we don’t have to worry about keeping hundreds or thousands of other miniscule laws.  However, when we forget either of these commandments, we are in danger of breaking law after law after law.

Who is your neighbor?  How easy is it for you to love your neighbor at all times?  Does it make sense to you to see the whole of the Law as hanging from these two commandments?


Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:32-34

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