Christ as Servant: A Study in MarkSample

What does it say?

Jesus taught the parable of the evil tenant farmers. He was questioned about taxes, marriage in the afterlife, and the greatest commandment.

What does it mean?

Jewish teachings were based on the Torah with its 613 separate commandments. The leaders often debated which was the most important. One man, probably a scribe, posed that very question to Jesus, who answered by summing up all of them with only two commands: to love God with every part of you and to love your neighbor as yourself. The man may have been trying to trap Jesus, but he received unparalleled wisdom instead. This man began to understand that love is of the utmost importance in the kingdom of God, not focusing on any one law in the Torah.

How should I respond?

The Bible is full of God’s commands and warnings, but obedience to Scripture should flow out of love for Jesus rather than a need for recognition. Regardless of how much knowledge you gain about God, and no matter how many good deeds you do or how much you give to others, God still sees and knows your heart completely. How does your love for Him compare with the description in today’s passage? In what ways does that love spill over onto the people in your life? God’s love will never fail us; our love for Him should be paramount.