Questions given and taken 

Mark 12:28-37 (New Living Translation)

28One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The lord our God is the one and only lord. 30And you must love the lordyour God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

32The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”

34Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.

35Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David? 36For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said,

‘The lord said to my Lord,

Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’

37Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with great delight.

Whom do you know who is not far from the Kingdom of God ?

God's laws are not burdensome in number or detail. They can be reduced to two simple rules for life; love God, and love others. These commands are from the old testament (Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:5). 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. 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.