Mark 12:28-34
Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.
Read Mark 12:28-34 paying special attention to the commandments Jesus cites.
Finally, after two attempts to trick Jesus into giving an incriminating answer, this religious leader asks a sincere question, “Which is the greatest commandment?” Jesus’ answer provides a grid for understanding and interpreting all of Scripture: Love God with all that you are and love your neighbor as yourself.
What, if anything, would have to change in your life or in your faith community if these two commandments were used as a litmus test for everything that was said or done?
Read Mark 12:28-34 again noting the scribe’s response in verse 32-33 and Jesus’ answer to him in verse 34.
This scribe seems to fully understand Jesus’ answer to his question. His explanation to Jesus of why these two commands are of utmost importance seems flawless. So why doesn’t Jesus just welcome him into the fold? Why is he “not far” from the kingdom instead of “already in”?
Scribes were part of the Jewish religious establishment and were responsible for drawing up legal documents and interpreting the law for practical applications. In other words, they were an integral part of the religious system that benefitted the powerful and oppressed those without power. This was the system the religious leaders were trying so desperately to defend against Jesus’ disruptive teaching and example, and it was a system that could not pass the test of the two great commandments.
Is it possible to participate in and benefit from an unjust system if we recognize that the system is unjust?
What does Jesus’ answer to the scribe indicate about what we need to do if we find ourselves participating in such a system?
Who is our neighbor according to Jesus?
Let’s say that our neighbor is anyone in need of our mercy, so our neighbor is basically everyone. What would it look like to love those who perpetuate unjust systems and love those who are victimized by unjust systems?
These are complicated questions so don’t expect to settle them right now, but take a few moments to talk with Jesus about anything that has come up during this time of reflection, and then make a plan for taking a first step toward whatever Jesus is prompting you to do.
Are you finding these meditations to be helpful? If so, please forward them to a couple of friends. Interested in going deeper? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide and blog.
