The Right Questions -- March 5, 2009

Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.
Mark 12:34 NKJV

When Jesus saw the scribe's answer was wise and not just the textbook answer everyone wanted, He affirmed the man's moving towards the kingdom. The context of the scribe's original question is the key. The narrative reports he asked the question after he had seen that Jesus was actually answering the questions of others with meaning. The scribe perceived Jesus knew what He was talking about. In the presence of authentic authority, he went for it. What is the most important thing of all, Jesus? And Jesus had the answer!

Of course, we know the textbook answer two thousand years later. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. This is the greatest issue in our lives. Jesus didn't answer the man with a set of behavioral codes or even pick one behavior out as the most important. He directed the scribe and us to LOVE God. He even used the agape word for love. It means we are supposed to look out for God's best interest. We are supposed to behave towards God in the way that will be best for Him. That's a lot harder than following rules.

The second command is to love your neighbor like yourself. No more self-centered living for us. We are to count those around us as equal. We have to look out for them just like we would want to be looked out for. Again, there is no list of behaviors, just an attitude that makes everyone as important to you as you are.

The result of this answer is that no one had any more questions. This account says after that they didn't dare ask more questions. Jesus had actually answered the most important issue about how they were to live their lives. The implications were countless. The reassessment of their lives would last a lifetime. Let's join the scribe and ask Jesus what is the most important thing for me to work on today. Then let's say, "Good answer, Lord, Your right!" Let's work on it with right-hearted response so we can hear Him say, "Your getting closer!"

Questioning Him,

Pastor Jason