Through the Bible: MarkSample

First and Foremost Importance

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.’” Mark 12:29 (ESV)

A young scribe asked Jesus what the "most important" commandment is. Jesus' response is: know God (v.29), love God (v.30), love others (v.31). These commandments fulfilled all of God's requirements.

Note that Jesus’ answer doesn't start with loving God and others but with "to hear." The first principle is to hear, understand and accept that the Lord is our God and He is One. At the beginning of creation, God Elohim was there as the Creator, the spoken creative Word, and the creative Breath of all life. How great is our God! The Triune God who was, who is, and will be everlasting. To believe in the Triune Godhead is the first and foremost commandment and is the principal article of the Christian faith. Namely, to believe there is 0ne God, and there are three persons; Father, Son, and Spirit in the Godhead. Without the revelation and understanding of who God is, the rest of the written law— in fact, all of Scripture — would be futile works of self-righteousness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You seek obedience of the heart above obedience in the behavior of bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law (Mark 12:33). Give us grace, anoint our ears and hearts to be open to understanding who You are and Your will for us: to know You, love You, and love others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.