Mk 12:28-34
This enquirer Scribe seemed to have a genuine concern and his question was not put forward to test Jesus. We do not know what response he expected to get from the LORD but he had observed that Jesus gave good answers to all who disputed with Him. “Which of the commands was the greatest” was his direct enquiry. The LORD’s response was i. A reminder to the nation of Israel of the covenant of God with them and their obligation to it. ii. A summary of the whole commandments. It seemed the enquirer was confused about which really was necessary of all the many laws, ordinances and traditions that Israel had to keep. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not help matters, they had added many traditions for the people to follow. Therefore, the question was apt. These days many genuine seekers may be in the shoes of this Scribe, not knowing what the LORD really requires, seeing there are many Preachers and Teachers who have added their own requirements.
“Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these” was Jesus’ straight to the point response.
Two-Point-Lessons
- God abhors idolatry– If God alone is LORD then He alone deserves our affection. He wants to be worshipped as the sufficient God- the only one man needs. Nothing must be set before Him- He must take the first and only place in all things. To seek help outside of God (provision and operation) is idolatry. Not yourself, family, friends, job or ministry, ambition, need or anything for that matter should compel you to act against God’s will. And how do we set these things ahead or above God? When we reject the Word or Counsel of God to follow our own. This is the foundation on which a Godly life is laid- Jesus Only!
- God expects unconditional obedience– Perhaps there are commands with rewards attached, not this one! You either obey or disobey; you either place God where He belongs or He is nowhere. What would you do if there is no reward with God? Do you really love God because of who He is and not what He gives? The great cosmic controversy is proven by our response to this command: ‘Does man (Job) love God for nothing?’ ‘Is it not because God has blessed him that he worships Him?’ Who worships God for nothing? How many can declare like righteous Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” Job 13:15. This command is set forth without any promises. It is a rock of offense to those whose seeking is not without that quiet pursuit, “What is in it for me?”
Application Questions
- If Jesus will be LORD over your life, what changes would you have to make in your life?
- Since this command does not promise any reward, what changes would you make in your life in order to obey them?