Which commandment is the most important of all?

January 28, 2024
Pastor Jack

Bible open to Exodus 20

Mark 12:28-34

And one of the scribes came up and heard them debating. When he saw that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God from your whole heart and from your whole soul and from your whole mind and from your whole strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “That is true, Teacher. You have said correctly that he is one and there is no other except him. And to love him from your whole heart and from your whole understanding and from your whole strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And Jesus, when he saw that he had answered thoughtfully, said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to put a question to him any longer.

Which Command is Greatest of All?

Mark 12:28–34 (ESV):

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.

  • Who were “scribes”?
  • What commands are these that he is asking about?
  • How is this question different than the ones we have seen ealier in Mark 12?
  • How does Jesus respond?
  • Read Deuteronomy 6:4–9
    • Heart
    • Soul
    • Might

Thoughts for Reflection

  • If the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our being, why do we get so caught up in everything else?
  • What are you distracted by?

Challenge

Be intentional this week about loving one neighbor, one person that is not a family member. Show them “good will” then when they ask you why you would do that, tell them the reason and invite them come to know the God that you love with all your might.

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