Mark 12:28-34 - Love as the fulfillment of the law

28 One of the scribes who had listened to them debating appreciated that Jesus had given a good answer and put a further question to him, 'Which is the first of all the commandments?'29 Jesus replied, 'This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one, only Lord,30 and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.'32 The scribe said to him, 'Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true, that he is one and there is no other.33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice.'34 Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' And after that no one dared to question him anymore. "

THE SERMON

Beloved friends in Christ, today we gather to reflect on a profound exchange between Jesus and a scribe, found in the Gospel of Mark. This passage encapsulates the essence of our faith and offers us a roadmap for how we are to live in relationship with God and one another.

The scribe asks Jesus, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” This question, simple yet profound, invites us to consider the foundation of our faith. Jesus responds, “Listen, Israel: the Lord our God is the one, only Lord. You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

Here, Jesus emphasizes that our love for God is not a passive feeling but an active commitment that encompasses our entire being. It is a call to engage deeply and wholeheartedly with our Creator. Our love for God should transform us, compelling us to live out that love in tangible ways.

But Jesus does not stop there. He adds a second commandment: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” This is a radical extension of our love for God; it asks us to see the divine in those around us. In loving our neighbor, we fulfill our love for God. Our relationships are a reflection of our devotion.

The scribe recognizes the depth of Jesus’ teaching, stating that this love is “far more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice.” He understands that rituals and sacrifices hold no weight without the love that should underpin them. God desires hearts filled with love, not mere compliance with rules.

As we meditate on these words, we are called to evaluate our own lives. Are we loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? Are we truly loving our neighbors as ourselves? In a world that often fosters division, fear, and indifference, we are invited to embody a different narrative, a narrative of love, compassion, and unity.

Jesus tells the scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” This statement challenges us. It suggests that understanding the commandments is only the beginning. Living them out fully brings us closer to God’s kingdom. We may know the right answers, but are we living them?

Let us strive to move from mere understanding to action. In our workplaces, our families, our communities, and even in our churches, let us be vessels of God’s love. Let us challenge ourselves to reach out to those in need, to speak words of kindness, and to build bridges where walls have been erected.

As we leave today, may we carry the essence of this teaching in our hearts. Let our love for God propel us into action, and let our love for our neighbors reflect the light of Christ in the world. Together, as a community united in love, we can draw nearer to the kingdom of God.

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