Mark 12:28-34 (NIV)

The last several passages in Mark have involved representatives of various influential groups in Judaism confronting Jesus with questions after he disrupts the status quo in the temple courts. Each of these groups had distinct ideas about what Messiah would do and look like when he arrived, and with Jesus bringing his ministry to Jerusalem in this public way, they have to figure out how Jesus might fit into their agenda. But Jesus is here ready to confound them all. His action in the temple and his answers to their questions indicate a new way of thinking about the Kingdom and the people of God.

Today’s passage revolves around a universally known Jewish prayer called the Shema. This is a prayer taken from the book of Deuteronomy and has been prayed multiple times a day by generations of Jews throughout history. Passage after passage, these groups have been coming to Jesus and asking him questions, but they can’t quite see what Jesus is doing—that is, fulfilling this very prayer that they all prayed daily—and thereby establishing a new way of relating to God. But the teacher of the Law in this passage is not far off...

----------REFLECT----------

1. What moment in this passage stood out to you the most?

2. Jesus’ answer gives us a picture of what his mission is all about: that this kind of Love for God and Love for People is what he’s calling God’s people to be known for. So what about us today? How well does the church today live this out? Where are we not far from the Kingdom? Where are we a good ways off?

3. What is one thing that would need to change for you today, to step closer to the Kingdom? In love for God and in love for people?

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