The Greatest Commandment

Clarification is required for all of us that can easily muddle up the commandments left by Moses. Jesus was sent for many things, clearing up our perversions of the law is one of them…

Mark 12:28-34
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.[e] 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.’[f] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[g] 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 bright spots in the many conversations between the teachers of the law and Jesus is this particular instance. It seems that is was not time for Jesus to instruct harshly or rebuke, but rather it was time for teaching. It seems, at least in this account, that they were receptive.

Being “closet to the Kingdom of God” is what we should all strive for. When Jesus says this, He is referring to the fact that this man was able to quote directly from the Bible and therefore spoke with truth and love. The Pharisee was agreeing with Jesus in public, which confirms the fact the Word of God was living in the man’s heart. Jesus could see his heart, and therefore confirmed that fact for him and all who were listening.

We all have the ability to grow closer to the Kingdom of God. How? Read His Word. Pick up the Bible and read it. If you have an app on your phone or IPad or tablet that’s fine too, but read. The words will begin to seep into your heart and souls, and they will change you from the inside out. Just the way that had changed this teacher of the law.

The Greatest Commandment is Love. It is the most powerful action that anyone can perform, and it is free, and it requires no special training. It only requires that you stop trying to love by yourself, and ask God to help you to love. He will show you. #JesusSaves

I love you all. I pray for you this day that you receive today’s bread. I pray that you receive His revelation and His will is fulfilled in your lives.

Amen.
DK