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.