Jesus didn’t need the scribe’s affirmation, but He got it nonetheless. This religious leader had asked the one whom many were eyeing as the Messiah a question that would have stumped many, but Jesus not only answered quickly but succinctly and accurately.
Regardless of the scribe’s motivation, Jesus answered his question in such an astounding way. “What is the greatest commandment?” Jesus said there were two. Love God and love others. If you do these two things, you don’t need to worry about any other command because these rallying instructions will cover them. If you love God, you will never sin against Him. If you love others, you won’t consider sinning against them. While not easy to accomplish, the answer was simple to define.
32 Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, teacher. You have correctly said that he is one, and there is no one else except him.33 And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question him any longer.
Mark 12:32-34
The scribe saw the brilliance of Jesus’ response. If you love God like none other, you will obey Him with a different type of commitment. And to love one’s neighbor as oneself “is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices” (Mark 12:33).
That phrase is an essential insight into our spiritual condition. Don’t overlook it. The concept could be a game-changer for you. We are prone to try to convince others of our commitment. We buy lavish gifts, speak flattering words, and make unrealistic promises to assure that person that we will come through. Instead of having to promise our commitment, show it. In the Old Testament, a recurring reminder was that “to obey is better than sacrifice.”
Instead of promising to come through in a future display, prove it by the way you come through in present obedience. You don’t have to offer a bargain for God; you simply do what He’s asked you to do. Love God and love others, and you don’t have to make sacrifices to prove it. Your life is proving it every single day.
Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Don’t offer things you won’t have to give up. Show your love for Him and others today; that is the sacrifice He seeks from you.
How can you show love for God today? How can you show love to others before the sun goes down?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
