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Mark 12:28-34
28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all?
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
32 And the scribe said unto Him, Well, Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He:
33 And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask Him any question."

In today's verses a scribe, impressed by Jesus’ answers, asked which commandment is greatest. Jesus replied by quoting the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4–5): “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” He added the second like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). No commandment is greater than these.

The scribe agreed, noting that such love surpasses all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Jesus told him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that, no one dared ask Him further questions.

Key Themes

Total devotion: Love for God engages every part of us—heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Interconnected love: Love for God overflows into love for others; the two are inseparable.

Heart over ritual: Genuine obedience is relational and internal, not merely external or ceremonial.

Christocentric fulfillment: True keeping of these commands is found in Christ, who perfectly loved the Father and humanity.

For reflection:
Is it possible to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength today?

Lord Jesus, have mercy on us!

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