Mark 12:28-12:44

“agape” Love

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Whose Son Is the Messiah?

35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
    under your feet.”’[d]

37 David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

The large crowd listened to him with delight.

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

The Widow’s Offering

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

My Commentary

“Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”

What commandment resonates with you most? The first? The second? Maybe both? They key words I highlight in my Bible are GOD and LOVE. Isn’t God love? Can you recall a time in your life when God showed you true unconditional love? You see, God’s love for you is so big and so great that it is known as “agape” love. Agape is a greek word meaning “the fatherly love of God for all humans , as well as the human reciprocal love for God”. In christianity, agape is the highest form of love and charity; it’s more than unconditional! It’s known as sacrificial love which is above all and transcends regardless of our present circumstances. That’s the love God has for you! God shows us His love in various ways: through His holy presence; providing us comfort and strength throughout the day. He even sends God’s people to lift us up…who want to share that with you selflessly just as God has taught us.

God created the world and all it’s beauty. He took the time to create you…just as you are; blessed with your own unique God given gifts and talents! God made sure His stories, His words would be recorded in the Bible with several different versions so that we could develop a deeper relationship with Him and a deeper understanding of His love. He gave us the instruction manual on how to LIVE. All He asks is that we believe, trust and yield to Him. The moment I felt the Lord love me and the moment I began to reciprocate that love for Him by showing up everyday; surrendering all that I have, the more I wanted to spread that love to others.

An example from the reading in Mark…41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” This is such a beautiful story. Jesus knows your heart. He knows when we are giving just for “appearances” and when we are giving out of the kindness of our hearts. Although the wealthy people gave money to the treasury, it was out of their surplus. Jesus could sense the sincerity of each individual that passed by. The poor widow is a power of example- and a woman of God who truly had the love of Jesus in her heart. Despite her circumstances, she gave everything she had. No one asked her to do this and God did not expect this from her. But, she wanted to contribute and that was her way of serving; showing her love for God and for humanity. There are many ways we can serve. I have to serve God first before I can help others. And I still know that service is all about bringing glory to Him. But, getting involved in our communities; volunteering at a soup kitchen, teaching, or as simple as complimenting someone-these are all examples of how we can better “love thy neighbor as thyself”. We are God’s instruments and I know I can do nothing apart from Jesus! All He asks is that we trust in Him and He will help us do the rest! If that’s not love- I don’t know what is!

If we can obey those two simple commandments; to love the Lord with all our hearts, with all our soul, with all our strength and with all our minds and to love thy neighbor as thyself…we will bear much fruit and feel more at peace with ourselves and one another! I encourage you to spread that love to a neighbor, friend, parent, or a stranger on the street today. I know when I give back, I feel much better!

Suggestions for prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving me the instruction manual on how to live each day. Because of your love and mercy, I am already made whole and complete. Lord, I love you with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength, and with all my mind. Thank you for showing me your “agape” love- you provide me comfort and strength each day. Guide me to “love thy neighbor as thyself” and to serve in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Mark 4:35-4:41 “Jesus calms the storm”

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

My Commentary

What would you do if Jesus was asleep and you needed His help?

Would you wake him up? Or let him rest, and take matters into your own hands?

In Mark’s famous story, the disciples are terrified, full of fear and doubt. They huddle aboard a small boat during a very heavy storm, convinced that soon they all will die! The disciples make a choice to save their lives. They wake Jesus and plea for help. Yet, even after they ask Jesus, they still are filled with doubt; unable to comprehend why Jesus won’t help them. Sometimes our faith gets tested in life. We pray for help, and grumble if aid doesn’t come fast enough. The gospel shows us how we must not let the fear take over- but rather, let our Faith overcome those fears. Jesus needs us to meet Him halfway and put our trust in Him to get through the storm. That’s not to say we won’t experience challenges ahead, but Jesus won’t let us sink. But first, we have to be the ones to grab ahold of that life boat and call on the Lord to help us!

In Mark 4:39, “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” In Mark 4:40, “He said to His disciples, Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Despite Jesus’ many miracles that he performed in front of the disciples, and his teachings…they decide not to trust Him. If I could recall every time Jesus has gotten me through my “storms” and calmed my raging seas, I’d lose count! It’s hard to believe, but we need Faith in Jesus during our most troubled times. He will always guide you, and never disappoint you as long as you seek Him! He will wipe those tears from your eyes and help you move forward. There will always be challenges, but the more we put Jesus first in our lives, the less turmoil we face. The more peace we feel, the easier it will be to deal with those hardships when they come and to trust that they will pass. It’s important that we lean on Him the most during the storms, so He can show you the light at the end of the tunnel!

When I’m faced with adversity, and the weight feels like 1,000 pounds, I think, “Why has God let me suffer this way?” I get angry, resentful, frustrated…so human of us, right? By the way, it’s completely okay to feel all the emotions God gives you- to experience all the stages of grief; anger, sadness, fear, and complete defeat! That’s what makes us human! But I find it is important to stay in gratitude during those moments and rephrase my frustration. Instead of saying, “Why me God?” How about saying…"Thank you God…for I know you're the only one who can get me through this. Help me Jesus. Just like you calmed the seas in the storm, may you calm me. I trust you…I surrender everything: I put everything in your hands.” You’ll feel the burdens lift and His peace wash over you like an ocean wave.

Has your faith ever been tested like this before? I know mine has. I know it’s not an easy thing to do, but I have to remember to never lose hope even if the storm gets heavy and dark. Those dark moments are some of the most important times to lean on Him. The more we put the Lord first, the easier it will become to ride the waves, both the ebbs and flows. No matter what challenges life may bring our way, Jesus won’t let us drown, and wallow in self-pity any longer! Hold on and hang on!

Suggestions for Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for all of my blessings; I have so much to be grateful for….in the good times, bad times and during the storms. You never cease to amaze me. Jesus, the next time I experience a storm, no matter how big or small, I ask that when I turn to you, I may be reminded of all the good memories in my life-and that you help me feel at peace again. I love you Lord and I trust in you. You are the captain of the ship now and I have confidence and faith that together, we won’t sink!