Reaching Others
Mark 12:28-34 English Standard Version
The Great Commandment
28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
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Small Group Study
The Path Before Us: Reaching Others
Mark 12:28-34
July 26, 2026
NewDay Vision Statement
We are a community of real people from all walks of life, ignited in our commitment to reach others with the message and love of Jesus.
This week we are looking at the two directives in our mission statement: reach others with the message of Jesus and reach others with the love of Jesus.
The context of our Biblical text this morning is that Jesus has been questioned by leaders in the Synagogue in the hope that they could trap Him in His teaching. This is the third question that He was given. “What is the most important commandment?”
Jesus first responds with “the shema”, Judaism’s central/common prayer. It is used in every gathering, prayer, and ritual. Recite out loud together or as the leader the shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
Why do you think Jesus’ answer includes the shema in addition to the commandment?
In reciting the shema what truths/revelations come to mind?
How can these truths transform the world in which we live? In other words, what is important about sharing these truths with those around us?
Verse 30 is the greatest commandment. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Share tangible things that you do/observe/participate in that reflects your love for God.
Share ways in which you could better love God.
The second greatest commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Treating others as we would like to be treated is common in many societies. How does the Judeo/Christian value differ from other religions? (Consider this commandment in relation to Commandment #1)
Thinking back to the context of these verses, Jesus is in the midst of a “tribunal” of sorts in that this was the third of three questions by teachers of the law. Mark then records the culmination of Jesus’ questioning. The teacher affirms Jesus’ correct response but Jesus doesn’t leave it at that. He then puts the question back on the teacher in the form of an evaluative statement. Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
Why didn’t the teacher get an A+? (“you are not far” implies not quite there!)
Do you think the teacher realized the irony in that he had become the one being evaluated?
What does this scenario teach us about Jesus? His abilities? His desires? His purpose?
Spend time in prayer thanking God for His knowledge of our heart, His longing for our devotion, and His love for our participation in His kingdom.