Jesus responds to an earnest question from a scribe about the greatest commandment. With 613 commandments to choose from, Jesus teaches that the important commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Mark 12:28 A scribe asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest (foremost)

Mark 12:29 – 31 Jesus answers the question

Mark 12:32 & 33 The scribe agrees

Mark 12:34 Jesus tells the scribe he is not far from the kingdom of God – the questions stopped

Mark 12:35 – 37 Jesus asks “how can the Christ be the son of David, when David calls him “My Lord”

Mark 12:38 – 40 Jesus warns of the hypocrisy of the religious leaders

Mark 12:41 – 44 Jesus says a widow contributed a cent and He says that contribution was greater than the rest combined