“One of the teachers of the law asked Jesus, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important?’ The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” Mark 12:28-30

Mark 12 features a Q and A session with Jesus. Some used their questions to try to trip Him up, while others attempted to justify themselves, but one person asked which commandment was supreme. Jesus never skipped a beat, He testified that only one of the 600+ laws held the top spot: to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.

To be honest, I was tempted to talk about another passage because much has already been said about this verse. But if you can sum up the 600+ things someone asked you to do into a single line that’d capture the intention and heart of each one-well let’s just say it’s tough to pass that up. Even if it’s just a simple reminder to check ourselves to see if His top commandment is still our top assignment.

What should this love look like in everyday life? Another familiar story from verses 41-44 gives us a clue- the widow’s mite. I believe her extravagant gift was the perfect fulfillment of verse 30. The others gave what they wouldn’t miss, but she gave ALL and that’s the kind of love God is calling us to; a love that holds nothing back in reserve for ourselves, a love that is both passionate and wholehearted.

Life’s true and eternal meaning is found and showcased in the context of our love relationship with God. We willingly, joyfully, put the sum total of who we are into God’s offering plate through love relationship and we don’t look back.

Pastor Sandy

Leave a Reply