The Most Important Thing of All

Jesus is now approached by a "teacher of the law" or a "scribe." These highly educated rabbis were often accused by Jesus for not practicing what they preached and finding ways to get around God's commands. This one is different, and perhaps Mark counts on our surprise to emphasize what Jesus has to say to him.

He would have known the Old Testament, particularly the books of Moses, inside out. Of all the commandments we read there, what is the most important?

Love, says Jesus. First, love for God, and then, just as important, love for your neighbour (see Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; Luke 10:25-37). It's really one command. John echoes Jesus' words: "For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister." (1 John 4:20-21)

The most important thing is to love—not worship, not pray, not believe, not give, not sacrifice, not memorize Bible verses, not study, not "don't ___", (fill in the blank). It's not: know your Bible, go to church.

What is your church known for?

These words of Jesus are arguably the most important words in the whole Bible.

Respond in Prayer

Lord Jesus, we love you because you first loved us. Write these words on our hearts. Bring them to mind. Help us to put them into practice in our own lives and in our church. For your sake, Amen.

Grae Fox