GREAT COMMANDMENT .28-34

Each of the conflict stories in 11.27-12.44 is set against the backdrop of the opposition of the . The Sanhedrin consisted of three major groups, , , and Scribes. Each of these groups put to a test. The Pharisees question him on taxes (12.13-17), the Sadducees on the subject of resurrection (12.18-27), and the Scribes on the question of the interpretation of the Scriptures (12.28-44). In each situation, Jesus demonstrates his authority which has characterized his ministry from the beginning.

The present question regarding the greatest commandment, (12.28-34), is the one story in Mark where a scribe approaches Jesus on amicable terms – and where Jesus commends the scribe. However, the controversy resumes in the following passages, (12.35, 38-40).

In one of the most defining moments of his ministry, Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest. What is our essential motive for the ministry of reaching and teaching people in ’s name? A phrase that is often used is that of “Great Commandment Love.”

OF ALL THE COMMANDMENTS, WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT?

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? ” Mark 12.28

The most important one is this:

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, 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.’ Mark 12.29-30

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6.5

The second is this:

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’ There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12.31

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19.18

“All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” .34-40

YOU ARE NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

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. Mark 12.32-34; .27-28; 9.13

This Great Commandment to love God and love people defines the true identity of those who are called Christians. Great Commandment Love is at the heart of who we are and what we do. In order for our lives to demonstrate Great Commandment Love and impact our world in a relevant way, three things must happen.

1.

2.

3.

Edwards, James R. The According to Mark. 2002. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, MI. Hoke, J. . Mark Series: Rediscovering Jesus. 1997. http://www.jdavidhoke.com/sermons/sermons.html (July 2011). Hurtado, Larry. W. Mark. 1983. Hendrickson Publishers. Peabody, MA. Lane, William L. According to Mark. 1974. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, MI.