Read Mark 12:28-34
RELIGIOUS LEADERS QUESTION JESUS ABOUT THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
By Jesus’ time, the Jews had accumulated hundreds of laws. Some religious leaders tried to distinguish between major and minor laws, and some taught that all laws were equally binding and that it was dangerous to make any distinctions. This teacher’s question could have provoked controversy among these groups, but Jesus’ answer summarized all of God’s laws.
God’s laws are not burdensome. They can be reduced to two simple principles: Love God and love others. These commands are from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6; Leviticus 19). When you love God completely and care for others as you care for yourself, then you have fulfilled the intent of the Ten Commandments and the other Old Testament laws. According to Jesus, these two commandments summarize all God’s laws. Let them rule your thoughts, decisions, and actions. When you are uncertain about what to do, ask yourself which course of action best demonstrates love for God and love for others.
This man had grasped the intent of God’s law as it is so often stressed in the Old Testament: that true obedience comes from the heart. Because all the Old Testament commands lead to Christ, his next step was faith in Jesus, Himself. This, however, was the most difficult step to take.