The Great Commandment

The Great Commandment Summary and Goal As Jesus was engaging with the religious leaders of the day, He was asked which commandment was the greatest of them all. Summarizing the whole of the Hebrew Law, Jesus said the greatest commands were to love God with your whole being and to love your neighbor as yourself. It is incongruent with the gospel to love God yet hate our neighbor. Main Passages Mark 12:28-40 Session Outline 1. Love God and Love Your Neighbor (Mark 12:28-34) 2. The Messiah is Lord (Mark 12:35-37) 3. Jesus Desires Humility and Generosity (Mark 12:38-40) Theological Theme Love for God and love for neighbor are the greatest of all the commands. Christ Connection To love God means we demonstrate love to others. Christ demonstrated His unwavering love for God and us in His own sacrifice on the cross. Missional Application If we love God, we must respond with love for our neighbor. 1 Leader Guide

Historical Context of Mark Purpose Mark s Gospel is a narrative about Jesus. Mark identified his theme in the first verse: the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. That Jesus is the divine Son of God is the major emphasis of his Gospel. God announced it at Jesus baptism in Mark 1:11. Demons and unclean spirits recognized and acknowledged it in 3:11 and 5:7. God reaffirmed it at the transfiguration in 9:7. Jesus taught it parabolically in 12:1-12, hinted at it in 13:32, and confessed it directly in 14:61-62. Finally, the Roman centurion confessed it openly and without qualification in 15:39. Thus Mark s purpose was to summon people to repent and respond in faith to the good news of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God (Mark 1:1,15). Author The Gospel of Mark is anonymous. Eusebius, the early church historian, writing in A.D. 326, preserved the words of Papias, an early church father. Papias quoted the elder, probably John, as saying that Mark recorded Peter s preaching about the things Jesus said and did, but not in order. Thus, Mark was considered the author of this Gospel even in the first century. Setting According to the early church fathers, Mark wrote his Gospel in Rome just before or just after Peter s martyrdom. Further confirmation of the Roman origin of Mark s Gospel is found in Mark 15:21 where Mark noted that Simon, a Cyrenian who carried Jesus cross, was the father of Alexander and Rufus, men apparently known to the believers in Rome. Because Mark wrote primarily for Roman Gentiles, he explained Jewish customs, translated Aramaic words and phrases into Greek, used Latin terms rather than their Greek equivalents, and rarely quoted from the OT. Most Bible scholars are convinced that Mark was the earliest Gospel and served as one of the sources for Matthew and Luke. Key Themes Many concepts of the Messiah existed in Jesus day, and several individuals laid claim to the title. What Mark contributes is a clarification of the concept of Messiah and a redefining of the term. Peter s insightful confession at Caesarea Philippi in 8:29 became the turning point at which Jesus began to explain that the divine conception of the Messiah involved rejection, suffering, death, and then resurrection (Mark 8:31). Mark also shows us the human side of Jesus. In fact, more than the other Gospel writers, Mark emphasizes Jesus human side and His emotions. Thus Mark gives us a strong picture of both the humanity and the divinity of Jesus. Special Features Mark s Gospel emphasizes actions and deeds. Jesus is on the go healing, casting out demons, performing miracles, hurrying from place to place, and teaching. In Mark everything happens immediately. As soon as one episode ends, another begins. The rapid pace slows down when Jesus enters Jerusalem (Mark 11:1). Thereafter, events are marked by days, and His final day by hours. Date of My Bible Study: 2

8 Session Plan The Great Commandment Introduction What are ways that we are more susceptible to loneliness in today s world? What are small things you can do to demonstrate personal kindness toward people around you? In today s session, Jesus summarized the entirety of the Law by stating the greatest commandment. To love God with your whole being and to love your neighbor as yourself, Jesus said, is the most important thing. With true love of God comes a demonstration of love for our neighbors. Jesus reiterated this truth in condemning the self-seeking behavior of the religious leaders. 1. Love God and Love Your Neighbor (Mark 12:28-34) As Jesus was getting ever nearer to the cross, more and more of the religious leaders engaged with and debated Him to test Him always trying to trap Him in His own words. In the midst of one such debate, Jesus was discussing with the Sadducees the interpretation of the Torah (Hebrew Law). One of the scribes approached Jesus, impressed with how Jesus had answered the Sadducees. He had a question of his own. He simply asked, which commandment is the most important? This question wasn t totally unwarranted, as there were many commands in the Books of the Law. Jesus responded not with one command, but two, referencing two different passages from the Old Testament. First, He said, the most important commandment is to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deut 6:5). The second is to love your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18). What is the significance of these commands over and above all the other laws? Does it mean the other commands are no longer important? What does it mean to love our neighbor? Who is our neighbor? 3 Leader Guide

How did the scribe respond? How did Jesus then respond to the scribe? How does this passage anchor both our theology (what we think about God) and our ethics as Christians? 2. The Messiah is Lord (Mark 12:35-37) At this point, the tables were turned. While the religious leaders had been seeking to catch Jesus in a trap hoping He would incriminate Himself they questioned Him repeatedly, mostly about the Law. However, no one dared ask any more questions after Jesus previous interaction with the scribe (12:34). Jesus asked the question now. While teaching the crowds in the temple, He asked, How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? Why do you think Jesus asked this question? Why were many having a hard time believing that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah? 3. Jesus Desires Humility and Generosity (Mark 12:38-40) As Jesus continued teaching in the temple, He transitioned to a very pointed warning against the scribes. However, Jesus did not criticize their teaching or warn the crowd about their theology. In this short account, Jesus focused more on the religious leaders actions than their words. He described them as behaving in the ways of the aristocratic elite. Apparently, they paraded around in a very ostentatious manner wearing lavish robes and seeking public attention, and always wanting the place of honor at the synagogue and gatherings. How did the described behavior of the scribes and Pharisees run counter to Jesus message? How might this also be a danger in the church today? Conclusion What are ways that your love of God should overflow into your love for those around you? What are ways that you withhold love of your neighbor for one reason or another? How can you establish a consistent rhythm in your daily life to intentionally love those around you? Does the way you think about God inform the way you act? Is there a disconnect between what you confess and how you treat others? In what ways? For Further Discussion Do you care about the way that people perceive you? How do we, as Christians, try to project our Christian persona? How does this impact the way the world sees the church? Session 8 4

Expanded Session Content 8 The Great Commandment Introduction Recent statistics have pervaded the news and internet of late, giving a very clear picture of just how lonely people are today. The Loneliness Epidemic is increasing more and more, even though we are seemingly more connected than ever. 1 Studies have shown that loneliness has the same effect on the body as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. 2 People need true human connection, and that is made more difficult with all the things we use to simulate connection. We need genuine and intentional means of showing love to those around us. More than likely, someone close to you in proximity needs your simple act of love. They need to talk while you listen. They need an hour away from their house, so they don t lose their sanity. Maybe they need help with a few house projects, because their spouse recently passed away. In a world where it is getting easier and easier to function without regular human interaction, the church has the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the normal, daily rhythm of life. What are ways that we are more susceptible to loneliness in today s world? What are small things you can do to demonstrate personal kindness toward people around you? Session Summary In today s session, Jesus summarized the entirety of the Law by stating the greatest commandment. To love God with your whole being and to love your neighbor as yourself, Jesus said, is the most important thing. With true love of God comes a demonstration of love for our neighbors. Jesus reiterated this truth in condemning the self-seeking behavior of the religious leaders. 5 Leader Guide

1. Love God and Love Your Neighbor (Mark 12:28-34) As Jesus was getting ever nearer to the cross, more and more of the religious leaders engaged with and debated Him to test Him always trying to trap Him in His own words. In the midst of one such debate, Jesus was discussing with the Sadducees the interpretation of the Torah (Hebrew Law). One of the scribes approached Jesus, impressed with how Jesus had answered the Sadducees. He had a question of his own. He simply asked, which commandment is the most important? This question wasn t totally unwarranted, as there were many commands in the Books of the Law. According to scribal records, there were 613 laws recorded in the five Books of Moses (Genesis-Deuteronomy). 3 With that many commands, it is understandable that one would want to know how to prioritize them. Jesus responded not with one command, but two, referencing two different passages from the Old Testament. First, He said, the most important commandment is to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deut 6:5). The second is to love your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18). It is interesting, that out of all the commands, Jesus chose the two commands to love. In essence, Jesus was telling them that God s heart for His people is to love Him completely, and to love those around them. This is at the core of all the rest of the commands and how He desires His people to live. This was significant for the Jewish leaders to hear. These were experts in the Law. They could likely recite much of the Torah from memory, if not all of it. In this moment, Jesus boiled down all of the commands to these essential truths. The Shema The first commandment quoted here is from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. These are the opening verses to what is known as the Shema in Hebrew. Shema is the Hebrew imperative hear. The Shema begins with these two verses, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. This has been the opening prayer for Jews throughout history in both morning and evening prayers. Hearing Jesus quote this as the most important command, anchoring it in the declaration of the primacy of God alone, would have spoken to the very core of what the Jews believed and confessed on a daily basis. What is the significance of these commands over and above all the other laws? Does it mean the other commands are no longer important? What does it mean to love our neighbor? Who is our neighbor? Love for God that encompasses and permeates our whole being all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength can t help but overflow to our neighbors. To those we love, to those we like, and even to those who are difficult to love, the call of God is still love. The undercurrent of the Shema in this passage emphasizes how Jesus brought the fullness of the Law to bear in His teaching. He had not come to abolish everything Session 8 6

before, but to fulfill it (Matt 5:17). These two commands represent the two halves of the Ten Commandments that were at the center of Jewish Law. Everything He had done and taught pointed to these two things. How did the scribe respond? How did Jesus then respond to the scribe? How does this passage anchor both our theology (what we think about God) and our ethics as Christians? The scribe affirmed Jesus answer. Yet, it seems this scribe was not trying to trap Jesus, but learn from Him. In summarizing the commands that Jesus had quoted, the scribe went one step further. He agreed wholeheartedly and added that everything Jesus said was far more important than any amount sacrifice offered to God. He understood the Law, perhaps better than the other scholars and leaders around him. Jesus, having seen the man s wisdom, told him that he was not far from the kingdom of God. While the other religious authorities sought to create a divide between Jesus and the teachings of the Law leaning more on legality than love, this scribe saw how they were united. Jesus saw that this man understood Kingdom ethics. When we rightly understand who God is (our theology), and worship Him fully, then we can t help but love others with everything we do (our ethics). No amount of work done for God or sacrifice made to God compares to loving others with the love of God. 2. The Messiah is Lord (Mark 12:35-37) At this point, the tables were turned. While the religious leaders had been seeking to catch Jesus in a trap hoping He would incriminate Himself they questioned Him repeatedly, mostly about the Law. However, no one dared ask any more questions after Jesus previous interaction with the scribe (12:34). Jesus asked the question now. While teaching the crowds in the temple, He asked, How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? Following the tension of the debate with religious leaders, this might seem like an odd question for Jesus to pose. After all, no one was really arguing that the Messiah would be a descendent of David. The scribes would have known passages to confirm this. 4 The people would have remembered the promise made to David in 1 Samuel 7:16, that God would establish His throne forever. During His entrance to Jerusalem, the crowds had praised Jesus as the Son of David (11:10). Why do you think Jesus asked this question? Why were many having a hard time believing that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah? 7 Leader Guide

While no one argued that the Messiah would come from the line of David, Jesus didn t fit the mold of their expectations. The royal descendent of David, they thought, would be a great political figure a new king to rightfully restore Israel. He was supposed to defeat their enemies and quell their opponents. He certainly wasn t expected to be a blue-collar laborer from middle-of-nowhere Nazareth. Jesus continued after posing the question with a follow-up statement. Appealing to Psalm 110 agreed upon to be the words of David himself Jesus shed new light on these words. Once understood to be a royal psalm, Psalm 110 reveals that David referred to the Messiah as lord. Jesus reminded the people in the crowd and the religious leaders that the Messiah was not only a son of David an heir to his throne but Lord of all. Once again, Jesus confounded the people s messianic expectations. He indeed had come to defeat their enemies and free them from oppression but not by political means. According to Leander Keck, in this short explanation of an Old Testament psalm, Jesus reminded them that His identity cannot be defined by the expectations that had clustered around traditional titles and expectations for those who would be the agent of salvation for the people. 5 Soon they would understand. 3. Jesus Desires Humility and Generosity (Mark 12:38-40) As Jesus continued teaching in the temple, He transitioned to a very pointed warning against the scribes. However, Jesus did not criticize their teaching or warn the crowd about their theology. In this short account, Jesus focused more on the religious leaders actions than their words. He described them as behaving in the ways of the aristocratic elite. Not all of the scribes would have experienced a notably high social status, but many who were a part of wealthy high priestly families of Jerusalem did. 6 Apparently, they paraded around in a very ostentatious manner wearing lavish robes and seeking public attention, and always wanting the place of honor at the synagogue and gatherings. How did the described behavior of the scribes and Pharisees run counter to Jesus message? How might this also be a danger in the church today? Verse 39 describes those seeking social prominence. 7 Jesus went on in verse 40 to describe them as people who devour widows houses and say long prayers just for show. Though we cannot say for sure precisely what Mark meant by devouring widows houses, it is clear that in some form or fashion, the scribes were taking advantage of them. Whether by exploiting their hospitality or defrauding them financially, it is clear that Session 8 8

The Hypocrisy of the Leaders Read Luke 18:9-14 for a parable Jesus told illustrating this behavior which He condemned: He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get. But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me, a sinner! I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. the scribes were taking from a group who already had little. 8 Throughout Scripture, we see widows regarded as particularly vulnerable and therefore to be regarded with care and protection. Having just reminded them of the primacy of God s command to love one s neighbor, these actions would have been in clear violation of the heart of God s Law. The final indictment of the scribes is that they went on and on in lengthy prayers, just for show. Again, the issue was public appearance and status. They were offering lengthy prayers in public to seem more pious and devoted than others. Jesus didn t beat around bush, concluding that they would receive due punishment. We are reminded by this indictment on the scribes that the one who questioned Jesus in verses 28-34 was the exception. We cannot say every single scribe was corrupt acting in the ways described here. However, the picture that Mark painted, on the whole, was a group who cared most about legality, appearing pious, and attaining higher social status. Surely there were a few exceptions, but the group at large missed the heart of the message of Christ. This account set up the story which Mark included next the poor widow who offered all she had. Reading these two accounts in tandem highlights the reversal of status that Jesus demonstrated again and again as indicative of the kingdom of God. The scribes walked in pride and arrogance, seeking public praise and approval. They took advantage of those who were vulnerable and cared more about appearances than the heart. The poor widow, on the other hand, received Jesus commendation. Even though she had almost nothing to her name, she offered everything. Conclusion When asked which of the commands was the greatest, Jesus responded with a twofold answer. Loving God with your whole being heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself are the most important commands. Jesus summarized the heart of the whole Law in those two commands. For those who have truly understood the gospel of grace, the natural response is love and grace extended to others. If we claim to love God but hate our brothers and sisters, this is a clear indication that we have not truly understood the love we have received from God in Christ. 9 Leader Guide In engaging with the religious leaders and with the crowds in the temple after His arrival in Jerusalem, Jesus made clear the heart and purpose of His ministry. In reminding the leaders of His identity as Messiah and Lord, He once again cut against their preconceived notions of a political savior. In condemning the prideful behavior of the scribes, He was reminding those listening that God desires humility and charity more than legalism.

What are ways that your love of God should overflow into your love for those around you? What are ways that you withhold love of your neighbor for one reason or another? How can you establish a consistent rhythm in your daily life to intentionally love those around you? Does the way you think about God inform the way you act? Is there a disconnect between what you confess and how you treat others? In what ways? Do you care about the way that people perceive you? How do we, as Christians, try to project our Christian persona? How does this impact the way the world sees the church? Prayer of Response Pray and thank God that He has loved us perfectly. Confess that we have failed to love Him and others as we should. Ask that we would be people with hearts fully submitted to Him, and that we would not just have an appearance of submission. Additional Resources Crazy Love by Francis Chan Radical by David Platt Taste and See by John Piper Session 8 10

For Next Week Session Title --The Widow s Gift Main Passages --Mark 12:41-44 Session Outline 1. Giving That Expressed Ultimate Trust in God (Mark 12:41-42) 2. An Attitude That Demonstrated True Humility (Mark 12:43) 3. Foreshadowing Jesus Ultimate Sacrifice (Mark 12:44) Memorize 29 Jesus answered, The most important is Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these. -Mark 12:29-31 Daily Readings --Monday - Mark 12:41-44 --Tuesday - Mark 13:24-27 --Wednesday - Mark 13:28-31 --Thursday - Mark 13:32-37 --Friday - Mark 14:1-2 --Saturday - Mark 14:3-9 11 Leader Guide

Extended Commentary Mark 12:28-40 12:28. Some interpreters believe this scribe was a representative sent by the Pharisees. The Pharisees must have been pleased with Jesus answer to the Sadducees. Did they send this scribe to Jesus to question him further? But notice that the Pharisees were anything but friendly to Jesus, and this scribe seems to be sincere. He was the only scribe who received a commendation from Jesus. It is more likely that he heard the discussion with the Sadducees, and possibly the Pharisees, and was impressed with Jesus answers. His question was honest and straightforward. There were lively discussions on which law was the most important and which teacher could summarize the entire body of law in one commandment. 12:29-31. Jesus quoted first from the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. This describes a man or woman s relationship with God: with all your heart... soul... mind... strength. Jesus emphasized that love for God should consume our entire being. It encompasses everything that we are, everything that God created us to be. We are to love him with our minds, our emotions, and our will. The scribe did not ask for the second greatest commandment, but Jesus gave it anyway, quoting from Leviticus 19:18. By giving this commandment, he showed that the two could not be separated. If we love God with all our being, then we will love our neighbor as well. Following this question in Luke 10:29, Jesus went on to define one s neighbor, using the parable of the good Samaritan. Jesus declared to the Jewish people that the neighbors they were to love as themselves included their hated enemies, including the Gentiles. 12:32-33. The scribe not only affirmed what Jesus said; he restated it in such a way as to indicate that he understood the difference between the letter and the spirit of the law. 12:34. Jesus commended the scribe, and this is the only commendation of a scribe in Mark s Gospel. This reminds us that groups as a whole are never bad. There are always individuals within those groups who are open to the gospel and to God s movement in their lives. The words, You are not far from the kingdom of God, were meant to encourage the scribe to continue down this path he had described. It may be the equivalent of Jesus Follow me. Whether or not the man did is not recorded. Session 8 12

No one dared ask him any more questions. After this encounter, Jesus was not tested again with trick questions by his enemies. From our perspective, he had passed every test. From their point of view, he had failed every test, but they had failed to trap him. 12:35. The teachers of the law taught that the Messiah was to come from the line of David. This raises the question, Was Jesus trying to deny this in his encounter in this passage? No, Jesus was trying to elevate their conception of the Messiah. The Messiah was surely more than the physical seed of David more than the earthly conqueror they were expecting. 12:36-37. Jesus quoted from Psalm 110. The Jews considered this a psalm of David and a messianic psalm. David was considered the highest authority on earth by the Jews. How, then, could he refer to his descendant as my Lord? Was David saying that there was an authority higher than him? The answer, of course, was that David recognized that his sovereignty was of the earth. But the sovereignty of the Messiah, who would be from his lineage, was of God. The crowd was delighted with Jesus teaching. They recognized that Jesus taught with authority. He did not fear the crowds or the teachers, which was more than could be said for his opponents. 12:38-39. These verses are perhaps the closest thing to Matthew s Sermon on the Mount in Mark s Gospel. Jesus compared empty religious trappings with true spirituality. Beware, he said, of those who put on a religious show. The scribes, most of whom were Pharisees, walked around in long, white robes. This set them apart from the common people. They liked to be greeted in the marketplace, as everyone recognized their title and their profession. The important seats in the sanctuary were the seats at the front where they could be seen by everyone. They also made sure they were seated next to the host at the place of honor at a banquet. This reminds us of Jesus admonition to James and John that the place of honor was reserved for those who served. 12:40. But it was not just the religious trappings that Jesus condemned. Their attitude was bad enough, but they also acted out their attitudes of superiority by oppressing other people. Because of their great knowledge of the law, they should have acted with compassion toward widows as they knew God did. Notice Jesus mention of the lengthy prayers of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. Most interpreters feel their prayers are closely linked with their actions toward widows. Perhaps their prayers were efforts to cover up their treacherous dealings with the widows. 9 13 Leader Guide

References 1. Linneman, Jeremy. How Your Church Can Respond to the Loneliness Epidemic. The Gospel Coalition (TGC). August 14, 2018. Accessed November 15, 2018. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/churchrespond-loneliness-epidemic/. 2. Holt-Lunstad, Julianne, Timothy B. Smith, and J. Bradley Layton. Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. PLOS ONE. Accessed November 15, 2018. https://journals.plos.org/ plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316. 3. France, R.T. The Gospel of Mark. NIGTC. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002. 4. Thompson, James W. Mark: A Feasting on the Word Commentary. Feasting on the Gospels. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2014. 5. Keck, Leander. General Articles on the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Mark. The New Interpreters Bible. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1995. 6. Ibid. 7. France, R.T. The Gospel of Mark. NIGTC. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002. 8. Ibid. 9. Anders, Max E. Mark. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 1998. Session 8 14