The Teacher's Question

Mark 12:28-34

Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees wanted to cause trouble for Jesus. That was why they asked their questions (Mark 12:13-27).

But we must not think that all the important Jews were against Jesus. Many of them wanted to know the things that Jesus was teaching. These people wanted to learn.

This teacher asked his question because Jesus had answered the other questions well. The teacher‘s question was important. So the teacher hoped that Jesus would answer his question well, too.

God had given many laws to the Jews. And their leaders had made some more rules, too. The teacher wanted to know which law was most important.

Jesus said that it is the law in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. People should always remember who God is. He is the only God. So people should love him. They should give their lives to him. They should think about him. And they should work for him.

Then, people should obey Leviticus 19:18. They should love other people. And they should help those people. Then they will be doing God‘s work.

The teacher said that Jesus was right. Jesus‘ answer was very good. These laws are the most important laws. Then the teacher said something extra. These laws are more important even than the gifts that people offer to God.

Jesus saw that the teacher answered well. The teacher‘s words were like Micah 6:6-8. A person who does not love God may make many gifts to him. But God does not want those gifts. God wants people to love him. God wants people to obey him. And God wants people to be kind and fair to other people.