Jesus replied to the man that answered Him intelligently.
A smile must have come on Jesus face –
Finally someone is responding with the right answer
Finally someone has listened and heard
Finally someone understands the words I've spoken
Finally!
Much like a teacher who gleans satisfaction and praises, the response of the one student, who finally gets the answer right, likewise, this Teacher, affirmed this intelligent one who gives the right answer.
Everyone else should have known the answers. Everyone else DID know the answers.
They just choose not to believe, because believing meant yielding, acknowledging and following the Truth.
Previously, we see in scripture the account of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and Bethany
• Jesus was justly and honorably worshiped as He rode on a colt that had never been used.
• Jesus cursed the fig tree, which should have had fruit
• Jesus was grieved at others using the temple for thievery instead of prayer
• Jesus’ authority was questioned in regards to taxes
• Jesus’ authority was questioned in regards to the resurrection
• Jesus’ authority was questioned in regards to the greatest commandment
Then finally the right answer emerges
“The scribe said to Jesus, ‘Right, Teacher; You have truly stated that He is One, and there is no one else besides Him; 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 himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.’ ”
Wow! This right answer was so powerful that all the accusers questioning Jesus completely stopped. No one even dared to question Jesus after that right answer came forth. They all knew the answer, failed to give it but instead under false premises questioned the authority of Jesus only to be put to shame by their fellow comrade.
This kingdom of God, the core of the “right answer” is attainable to all who desires.
No one is exempt from receiving
No one is excluded from accepting
No one is illuminated from this equation
Not one!
Because there is equity at the cross for all
Jesus says, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.” He was speaking to the very people who knew the right answer but refused to act upon it but instead becoming jealous of those who would act and follow.
What is the Kingdom?
Just what is the kingdom of God and how can one get to a place where it is not far but near? This word is so important that it appears approximately 333 times in 308 verses, depending on the translation one uses.
To love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. In other words to join with God and His mindset of eternity and behave it out by treating others the way God requires us to. This is done through the humility of a servant. We are called to serve God and called to serve others. Why? This is the example and model that Jesus demonstrated for us to follow. Jesus willingness to bear countless human sins is the epitome of servant hood.
This topic of kingdom… is one Jesus spoke of often.
In this gospel of Mark, the author, highlights Jesus’ life as one of service and sacrifice, emphasizing the theme scripture, Jesus himself describes in 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
As he writes this gospel, Mark makes careful note to identify Jesus as the obedient Servant who is actively, on a ongoing, bases demonstrating compassion as He ministers to the physical and spiritual needs of others. Mark unfolds and displays this unique Servant, as the Son of God with full power and authority. Jesus as a Servant is on the move instantly constantly and passionately responsive to the will of the Father, by preaching, teaching, and healing… he ministers to the needs of others even to the point of death.
His focus was ever present on the heavenly kingdom. Let us model His format and focus on the heavenly kingdom also.
Questions
- Will you make a commitment to pursue after the right answer of loving God and loving your neighbor?
- Will you commit to serving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?
- Will you persevere to attain Jesus in your heart, mind, and soul?
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Help me to come to you with 100 percent yielding to you in every area of my life.
Serving you and serving others according to Your word. Draw me to be kingdom focused. Thank you Lord!
Further study:
Matthew 21; Luke 19:29-38; Mark 11:1-10; John 12:12-15.
© Copyright 2012 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2012 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved
About the author
Simone Lake is a Christ follower, bride of John, Bible teacher and a passionate pray-er.
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