Slices
Prepare
Reflect on the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus. How significant is this distinction for you?
Bible passage
The greatest commandment
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important?’
29 ‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” 31 The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.’
32 ‘Well said, teacher,’ the man replied. ‘You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.’
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Explore
For the fourth time in this series, a religious leader questions Jesus. But, unlike his fellow questioners, this teacher of the law is appreciative of Jesus’ good answers and asks a good question of his own (v 28). Jesus’ response is a simple yet profound summation of all God’s laws, underscoring the all‑encompassing heart-soul‑mind‑body commitment necessary to be ‘all in’ with God (vs 29–31).
Despite its positive tone, this encounter concludes on an inconclusive note. While appreciative of the man’s wisdom, Jesus does not give an unqualified commendation – ‘You are not far from the kingdom’ (v 34) is a far cry from ‘Welcome to the kingdom’! Good students ask good questions and give good answers. But a right answer (v 33) does not always translate into a right response. Jesus came proclaiming that God’s kingdom was near and extending an invitation to enter this kingdom (1:15). But the only way in to this kingdom is to be ‘all in’ through allegiance to its King. Despite hailing Jesus as a good teacher (v 32), we are not told whether this man ever turned to Jesus as Saviour and submitted to him as King.
Respond
On a map, the teacher of the law’s location pin lay at some point ‘not far from the kingdom’. But this distance was still too great. To enter the kingdom required drawing close to the King! In relation to Jesus, where is your location pin?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 48; 1 John 4
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Chip, Tim, Rachel and all the other choir leaders as music-based Mission Partner Soul Children UK prepares for Christmas performances. Ask God to inspire the young singers, draw many to Jesus through their songs and spark a movement of faith across schools and communities.
