This morning I have been reflecting on Mark's twelfth chapter, which contains some interesting things. It starts with Jesus telling the parable of the Tenants, which is clearly about religion and the religious leaders. I believe that the Lord's desire was to see them recognize their wrong ways and repent, but instead they chose to seek ways to kill Him. Jesus spoke of God's amazing patience, and laid an invitation for them to believe, yet they resisted.
After the first parable, the next several interactions were the Pharisees and Sadducees trying to trap him with difficult questions meant to get Him to commit to something that they could use to destroy Him. In each case, He adroitly avoids their traps and continues to frustrate them. Finally we see one teacher who understands and has a positive interaction with Jesus (Mark 12:28-34). I think that Jesus was very pleased to see one of the religious leaders who actually understood the whole purpose of the Law! It wasn't about sacrifices and offerings and works, but it was about loving relationship with God and with each others. Here is their interaction, for it is worth reflecting on - Mark 12:28-34 NIV:
[28] "One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
[29] “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' [31] The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”
[32] “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. [33] To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
[34] "When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions."
One of the first things I noticed this morning was the humility of the teacher in coming to Jesus. He wasn't trying to trap Him, wasn't there to boast of His knowledge, but rather came to Jesus asking His opinion and perspective. We always want to be teachable, and come to the Lord in humility. He always has a better perspective than we have, so looking to Him is the wisest thing we can do.
Secondly, He listened to what Jesus said, and grasped the heart of Jesus' response. We, also, should look closely at what Jesus said, for this is as true today as it was when He said it. Jesus said the two most important things we can do are to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Wouldn't church be interesting if this is what we practiced? Rather than focusing on religion and religious works and liturgy, focusing on relationships of Love with God and one another.
The teacher recognizes the truth as the Truth speaks it to him, and his heart is stirred and he has revelation! This revelation was probably in process already, but Jesus confirmed it! Oh that we would let the Truth settle into our hearts and bring revelation and life! Oh that we would come to Jesus and let Him speak Truth!
Finally Jesus encourages the teacher and lays out the invitation into the Kingdom... leading him forward with positive affirmation. The Lord will always affirm our repentance and moves towards Him!
This morning I am encouraged by the simplicity of Jesus' reply! Let me love God and love others! That is more important than any religious activity or pursuit. He wants us focused on relationships!
Amen!
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