THIS GUY GETS IT
Mark 12:32-34 NKJ
So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
But after that no one dared question Him.
This twelfth chapter could be called Jesus, straightens out the Pharisees and Sadducees. Each group came at Jesus, trying to catch Him in His words. The Pharisees had questions about paying taxes to Caesar, one of the hot takes of that day. The Sadducees asked Him about the resurrection even though they did not believe in it. Jesus answered both groups in such a way that they stopped asking Him questions and left Him alone. That is the thing about religious pride. Religious pride is constantly trying to prove a point. People don’t matter as much as being correct.
One scribe came to Jesus with a question about the greatest commandment. We get the sense that this scribe wanted to know as opposed to tricking Jesus or proving Him wrong. Jesus answered the question, declaring that the greatest commandment was to love God and love your neighbor.
The scribe responded to Jesus's question, showing that he got it. This scribe, a student of God’s word, caught the heart of what Jesus was saying. The scribe believed that loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself was more significant than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices. This answer was a far cry from the mindset of most religious leaders of that day. They were caught up in washing cups and pots, looking religious, and using the service of God to further their causes. This is why Jesus was so frustrated with these leaders. Jesus said these guys would strain out a gnat and swallow a camel. They missed the big things of loving God and loving people to focus on the small things that did not matter as much.
APPLICATION
One area we need to be wary of is holding onto doctrine that divides. Too often, believers can have wonderful communication and enjoy the company of other believers until someone asks the magic question, “What church do you go to?”
Too often, we focus on where we disagree instead of having fellowship around where we share the same beliefs. If someone loves the Lord and believes that Jesus is the only way to salvation, we can get along. We are family. How someone was baptized, takes communion, or believes in the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not the main point. Love God. Love His Son Jesus and make Him Lord. Love one another in God’s family. That is more important than the doctrines that divide.
I prefer having the Lord tell me I am on the right track with HIm. Agreement with others is secondary. As we approach the Christmas holidays and interact with other believers, let’s look for where we agree. We get it! Let’s love God and love people.