In Mark 12, we read about a scribe who asks Jesus about the most important commandment. As Jesus answered the scribe, He emphasized the greatest commandment in Mark 12:29-31. Listen as Pastor Jeremy unpacks this passage:
- The Theology – Our One God
- The Implication – We love God by loving others
How do we love others well?
- Honor others with your words. Use your tongue and your thumbs (online comments) to edify others.
- Let go of anger and do not let it fester. It’s hard to show love when you’re angry.
- Watch out for pride – be willing to admit your mistakes and confess. Practice confession as a way to show love to others.
SCRIPTURES:
Mark 12:28-34 | Genesis 1:27
The Great Commandment 28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. [Mark 12:28-34, ESV]