Mark 12- 05.05.22
SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:29 NIV
“The most important one, ”answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.’”
OBSERVATION:
As Jesus and His disciples arrive in the Temple courts—the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law gather around anxious to ask their questions in hopes of trapping OR discrediting Him. After the Pharisees ask Jesus about taxes and the Sadducees pose their question about marriage after death—both being stunned by Jesus wisdom—the teacher of the law steps forward with his question, “Of ALL the commandments, which is The MOST important?”
UNDERSTANDING:
I’ve read through this portion of scripture so many times that I was literally stunned when Jesus stopped me at verse 29. I became so enthralled with this verse I’ve been researching and meditating on it for two weeks now. The Two Most Important commands have a “Lead-in” command which I have glossed over, but here I am now and I’m sharing what I’ve learned.
Jesus began His answer in Verse 29 with a reference to a portion of scripture from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 which is the Shema. Shema is the Hebrew word for “Hear” and begins an important daily prayer the Jews recite. How important it is to God that we “Hear”. Hear His Word, Hear His Voice, and Pay Close Attention. Jesus says that “Hearing” Him identifies us as His Own.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 NKJV)
The LORD our GOD is ONE-uses two distinct Names for God. LORD used in uppercase is the name Jehovah and “I AM”, The Self-Existent One. Also inherent in this name is Redeemer. GOD as it is used is the Hebrew word for Elohim, meaning the “Strong One”, One who put forth Power. It is also a plural noun denoting the Trinity; Father, SON, Holy Spirit.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
LIFE APPLICATION:
Our Faith LOOKS Like Something!
(Shout out to Pastor Levi for an AMAZING sermon series out of the book of James)
When we HEAR God’s Word AND Receive it INTO our Hearts, then the Holy Spirit can use the TRUTH to TRANSFORM us from within. God “Writes” His Word upon our hearts and we become His living letter for others to read, and our lives can influence them to Trust Christ. How we live is important Because it backs up what we say.
“You show that you are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:3 AMP)
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 NIV)
Lord Jesus,
I am overwhelmed by the thought of Your Sovereignty and Your Heart to draw us in and use us for Your Glory. Meld my heart to be One with You, Lord. May No “One” and No “Thing” ever usurp your rightful place as #1 in my life. Fine tune my ears to Hear You and quickly respond and may I be quick to repent when I fail. I pray my life will be a letter you are proud of Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Tina L Kudelka