Mark 12:29-30
29Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
In the book of Mark many of the different religious sects came to test Jesus on His knowledge of the scriptures and His teachings. The purpose of each of the test was to see how Jesus would answer but also how He could be tripped up into saying something contrary to His teachings. Jesus had become a very popular teacher and took attention away from the other religious sects. The other sects became jealous. However, there was a scribe among them who was listening in sincerity and desired to know from Jesus the greatest commandment. Jesus answered him and when the scribe responded to Jesus' answer He had also perceived his heart and commented that the scribe was not far from the kingdom of God.
In the book of Mark many of the different religious sects came to test Jesus on His knowledge of the scriptures and His teachings. The purpose of each of the test was to see how Jesus would answer but also how He could be tripped up into saying something contrary to His teachings. Jesus had become a very popular teacher and took attention away from the other religious sects. The other sects became jealous. However, there was a scribe among them who was listening in sincerity and desired to know from Jesus the greatest commandment. Jesus answered him and when the scribe responded to Jesus' answer He had also perceived his heart and commented that the scribe was not far from the kingdom of God.
What about the answer Jesus gave? Some think that loving their neighbor is the first. But actually, loving God is. How so? The NKJ Study Bible gives the translation as, "The scribe may have been sincere in seeking answers. Jesus made clear that a right relationship to God must precede all others." So if your relationship with God is not in order, how do you think your relationship with people will be? If you do not operate with the love of God in you, it will show in all you say and all you do. Jesus said himself that what is in a man's heart will flow from his mouth. If venom is all you spill then venom is what you possess. A person who has a right relationship with God will seek to operate in what Jesus said in verse 31, "And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Many watch the TV movie, The Ten Commandments every year for its great special effects but have not grasped the concept. Whether Jew or Gentile, having a relationship with the Most High God is paramount. The relationship will change you. It changed Moses so that he could love a people he once used and allow God to use him to set them free. Jesus makes it possible for us to be reconciled to God. Having a wonderful relationship with the one who created you, purposed you and placed you here on earth will cause you to want to be a peaceful and loving person to those whose paths you cross.
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