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Mark 12:28-34
In Mark 12:28-34 a scribe, one of those who copied the Scriptures over and over to preserve them on new parchment (and because of his duties knew the Scriptures as well or better than most) asked Jesus a question pertaining to the Scriptures and the Law given from God through Moses. He asked Jesus, “Which is the first commandment of all?” (Mark 12:28, NKJV). The reply of Jesus was, “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’ [Deuteronomy 6:4, 5]. This is the first commandment. 31And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’ [Leviticus 19:18]. There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). The scribe then replies in a way which is recorded only in the book of Mark as he is obedient and in agreement with Jesus. With this shocking reply, the others were left speechless and asked Jesus no further questions.
This is an example of one who knows the Scriptures and understands them properly with an open mind to the teachings of God over the teachings of man.
Jesus taught to put others before ourselves out of love for them and obedience to love your neighbor as yourself (John 13:34-35). But the Old Testament teaches love above all. In 1 Samuel 15:22-23 the Scriptures teach us in the words of the Prophet Samuel,
“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and
Idolatry.”
In the Old Testament, sacrifice was the means for atonement – for God to overlook a particular sin committed. But to not put oneself in the position of committing a sin is preferred over making the sacrifice or the need to do so. The same is true for us today as it is better to remain in obedience to God and His will for our lives than to ask forgiveness because we have fallen from God’s grace and committed a sin. Obedience is the key to a forgiven relationship with God. Love is the key to obedience; our love for our God and Savior, and our love for our neighbor.
Dear LORD,
In a crowd of scribes, chief priests, and others, one person stood out in obedience to You in reflection of knowing Your Word and being obedient to its understanding as he realized the importance of love as You LORD God are Love (1 John 4:8, 16). Please let it be so in all our lives to live in obedience and love to You and for You; and let it be a reflection of our lives to others – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.