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Commentary on Mark 12 verses 28–34
The scribes and Pharisees were (however bad otherwise) enemies to the Sadducees; now one would have expected that, when they heard Christ argue so well against the Sadducees, they would have countenanced him, as they did Paul when he appeared against the Sadducees (Act 23:9); but it had not the effect: because he did not fall in with them in the ceremonials of religion, he agreeing with them in the essentials, gained him no manner of respect with them. Only we have here an account of one of them, a scribe, who had so much civility in him as to take notice of Christ's answer to the Sadducees, and to own that he had answered well, and much to the purpose (Mar 12:28); and we have reason to hope that he did not join with the other scribes in persecuting Christ; for here we have his application to Christ for instruction, and it was such as became him; not tempting Christ, but desiring to improve his acquaintance with him.
I. He enquired, Which is the first commandment of all? Mar 12:28. He doth not mean the first in order, but the first in weight and dignity; "Which is that command which we ought to have in a special manner an eye to, and our obedience to which will lay a foundation for our obedience to all the rest?" Not that any commandment of God is little (they are all the commands of a great God), but some are greater than others, moral precepts than rituals, and of some we may say, They are the greatest of all.
II. Christ gave him a direct answer to this enquiry, Mar 12:29-31. Those that sincerely desire to be instructed concerning their duty, Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his way. He tells him,
1.That the great commandment of all, which is indeed inclusive of all, is, that of loving God with all our hearts. (1.) Where there is a commanding principle in the soul, there is a disposition to every other duty. Love is the leading affection of the soul; the love of God is the leading grace in the renewed soul. (2.) Where this is not, nothing else that is good is done, or done aright, or accepted, or done long. Loving God with all our heart, will effectually take us off fRom. and arm us against, all those things that are rivals with him for the throne in our souls, and will engage us to every thing by which he may be honoured, and with which he will be pleased; and no commandment will be grievous where this principle commands, and has the ascendant. Now here in, Mark, our Saviour prefixes to this command the great doctrinal truth upon which it is built (Mar 12:29); Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord; if we firmly believe this, it will follow, that we shall love him with all our heart. He is Jehovah, who has all amiable perfections in himself; he is our God, to whom we stand related and obliged; and therefore we ought to love him, to set our affections on him, let out own desire toward him, and take a delight in him; and he is one Lord, therefore he must be loved with our whole heart; he has the sole right to us, and therefore ought to have the sole possession of us. If he be one, our hearts must be one with him, and since there is no God besides, no rival must be admitted with him upon the throne.
2.That the second great commandment is, to love our neighbour as ourselves (Mar 12:31), as truly and sincerely as we love ourselves, and in the same instances, and we must show it by doing as we would be done by. As we must therefore love God better than ourselves, because he is Jehovah, a being infinitely better than we are, and must love him with all our heart, because he is one Lord, and there is no other like him; so we must love our neighbour as ourselves, because he is of the same nature with ourselves; our hearts are fashioned alike, and my neighbour and myself are of one body, of one society, that of the world of mankind; and if a fellow-Christian, and of the same sacred society, the obligation is the stronger. Hath not one God created us? Mal 2:10. Has not one Christ redeemed us? Well might Christ say, There is no other commandment greater than these; for in these all the law is fulfilled, and if we make conscience of obedience to these, all other instances of obedience will follow of course.
III. The scribe consented to what Christ said, and descanted upon it, Mar 12:32, Mar 12:33. 1. He commends Christ's decision of this question; Well, Master, thou hast said the truth. Christ's assertions needed not the scribe's attestations; but this scribe, being a man in authority, thought it would put some reputation upon what Christ said, to have it commended by him; and it shall be brought in evidence against those who persecuted Christ, as a deceiver, that one of themselves, even a scribe of their own, confessed that he said the truth, and said it well. And thus must we subscribe to Christ's sayings, must set to our seal that they are true. 2. He comments upon it. Christ had quoted that great doctrine, that the Lord our God is one Lord; and this he not only assented to, but added, "There is none other but he; and therefore we must have no other God besides." This excludes all rivals with him, and secures the throne in the heart entire for him. Christ had laid down that great law, of loving God with all our hearts; and this also he explains - that it is loving him with the understanding, as those that know what abundant reason we have to love him. Our love to God, as it must be an entire, so it must be an intelligent, love; we must love him with all the understanding, ex holēs tēs suneseōs - out of the whole understanding; our rational powers and faculties must all be set on work to lead out the affections of our souls toward God. Christ has said, "To love God and our neighbour is the greatest commandment of all;" "Yea," saith the scribe, "it is better, it is more than all whole-burnt-offerings and sacrifices, more acceptable to God, and will turn to a better account to ourselves." There were those who held, that the law of sacrifices was the greatest commandment of all; but this scribe readily agreed with our Saviour in this - that the law of love to God and our neighbour is greater than that of sacrifice, even than that of whole-burnt-offerings, which were intended purely for the honour of God.
IV. Christ approved of what he said, and encouraged him to proceed in his enquiries of him, Mar 12:34. 1. He owned that he understood well, as far as he went; so far, so good. Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, and was the more pleased with it, because he had of late met with so many even of the scribes, men of letters, that answered indiscreetly, as those that had no understanding, nor desired to have any. He answered nounechōs - as one that had a mind; as a rational intelligent man, as one that had his wits about him; as one whose reason was not blinded, whose judgment was not biassed, and whose forethought was not fettered, by the prejudices which other scribes were so much under the power of. He answered as one that allowed himself liberty and leisure to consider, as one that had considered. 2. He owned that he stood fair for a further advance; "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God, the kingdom of grace and glory; thou art in a likely way to be a Christian, a disciple of Christ. For the doctrine of Christ insists most upon these things, and is designed, and has a tendency direct, to bring thee to this." Note, There is hope of those who make a good use of the light they have, and go as far as that will carry them, that by the grace of God they will be led further, by the clearer discoveries God has to make to them. What became of this scribe we are not told, but would willingly hope that he took the hint Christ hereby gave him, and that, having been told by him, so much to his satisfaction, what was the great commandment of the law, he proceeded to enquire of him, or his apostles, what was the great commandment of the gospel too. Yet, if he did not, but took, up here, and went no further, we are not to think it strange; for there are many who are not far from the kingdom of God, and yet never come thither. Now, one would think, this should have invited many to consult him: but it had a contrary effect; No man, after that, durst ask him any question; every thing he said, was spoken with such authority and majesty, that every one stood in awe of him; those that desired to learn, were ashamed to ask, and those that designed to cavil, were afraid to ask.
This question is only that which is a problem common to all skilled in the law, namely, that the commandments are differently set forth in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. Wherefore He brought forward not one but two commandments, by which, as by two paps rising on the breast of the bride, our infancy is nourished. And therefore there is added, And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord thy God is one God. He mentions the first and greatest commandment of all; this is that to which each of us must give the first place in his heart, as the only foundation of piety, that is, the knowledge and confession of the Divine Unity, with the practice of good works, which is perfected in the love of God and our neighbour; wherefore there is added, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Or else, he is not far who comes with knowledge; for ignorance is farther from the kingdom of God than knowledge; wherefore he says above to the Sadducees, Ye err, not knowing the Scriptures, or the power of God. It goes on: And no man after that durst ask him any questions.
My brothers, shun not only the holding, but even the hearing, of the judgment that bans mercy. For mercy is better than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
My brethren, shun not only the holding, but even the hearing, of the judgment that bans mercy; for better is mercy than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.
(ubi sup.) He shows when he says, this is greater than all sacrifices, that a grave question was often debated between the scribes and Pharisees, which was the first commandment, or the greatest of the Divine law; that is, some praised offerings and sacrifices, others preferred acts of faith and love, because many of the fathers before the law pleased God by that faith only, which works by love. This scribe shows that he was of the latter opinion. But it continues, And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.
(ubi sup) But the reason why he was not far from the kingdom of God was, that he proved himself to be a favourer of that opinion, which is proper to the New Testament and to Gospel perfection.
(ubi sup.) For since they were confuted in argument, they ask Him no farther questions, but take Him without any disguise, and give Him up to the Roman power. From which we understand that the venom of envy may be overcome, but can hardly lie quiet.
See how He has enumerated all the powers of the soul; for there is a 1living power in the soul, which He explains, when He says, With all thy soul, and to this belong anger and desire, all of which He will have us give to Divine love. There is also another power, which is called natural, to which belong nutriment and growth, and this also is all to be given to God, for which reason He says, With all thy heart. There is also another power, the rational, which He calls the mind, and that too is to be given whole to God.
He says that it is like, because these two commandments are harmonious one with the other, and mutually contain the other. For he who loves God, loves also His creature; but the chief of His creatures is man, wherefore he who loves God ought to love all men. But he who loves his neighbour, who so often offends him, ought much more to love Him, who is ever giving him benefits. And therefore on account of the connection between these commandments, He adds, There is none other commandment greater than these. It goes on: And the Scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God, and there is none other but he: and to love him with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
By which He shows that he was not perfect, for He did not say, Thou art within the kingdom of heaven, but, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.
(non occ.) That is, because they contradicted the Scriptures, and derogated from the power of God.
(non occ.) After that the Lord confuted the Pharisees, and the Sadducees, who tempted Him, it is here shown how He satisfied the Scribe who questioned Him; wherefore it is said, And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
(non occ.) The words which are added, And with all thy strength, may be referred to the bodily powers. It goes on: And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
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SUMMARY
Mark 12:33 captures the scribe's profound affirmation of Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment, declaring that loving God with one's entire being—heart, understanding, soul, and strength—and loving one's neighbor as oneself, far surpasses the value of all ritualistic burnt offerings and sacrifices. This statement underscores a pivotal theological insight, elevating internal devotion and ethical conduct above external religious observance, and revealing the true essence of God's Law.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Parallelism in its structure, listing the four facets of loving God ("heart," "understanding," "soul," "strength") in a cumulative manner, emphasizing the totality of this devotion. This is further reinforced by the Repetition of "all," underscoring the comprehensive nature of the required love. The statement also utilizes Hyperbole or Emphasis by declaring that love "is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." While not literally suggesting sacrifices are worthless, it dramatically elevates the moral and spiritual dimensions of the Law above the ceremonial, highlighting their supreme importance in God's eyes. This creates a powerful Contrast between external ritual and internal disposition, aligning with a long prophetic tradition that critiqued superficial religious practice.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 12:33 stands as a profound theological statement, asserting that the essence of true religion lies not in external ritual but in the internal disposition of love for God and neighbor. This aligns perfectly with Jesus' summary of the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that all commandments hang upon these two great principles. It underscores the biblical truth that God desires a transformed heart and righteous living more than mere ceremonial compliance. This emphasis on love as the fulfillment of the law is a foundational principle that bridges the Old and New Testaments, anticipating the New Covenant's focus on the law written on the heart.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 12:33 serves as a timeless and challenging call to authentic discipleship. It compels us to examine the depth and breadth of our love for God and for those around us. In a world often preoccupied with external appearances, religious performance, or mere adherence to rules, this verse reminds us that God's primary desire is for a heart fully devoted to Him and overflowing with compassion for others. It challenges us to ask: Is my love for God truly comprehensive, engaging my intellect, emotions, will, and actions? Does my devotion to God naturally translate into genuine, self-sacrificial love for my neighbor, reflecting the very character of Christ?
To practically apply the scribe's affirmation, one must look to the specific instructions of Jesus. Loving God with all one's "strength" and "understanding" involves active choices: choosing the "narrow path to life" (Matthew 7:13), focusing on spiritual disciplines for the right reasons such as praying alone (Matthew 6:6), "turning the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39), "giving to those who can't reciprocate" (Luke 14:12–14), and refusing to judge others (Matthew 7:1–5). Loving God also entails "denying yourself" (Luke 8:21) and not "storing up treasures on earth" (Matthew 6:19–21). By engaging in these specific behaviors—remaining "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16)—we demonstrate that our love is more than mere sentiment; it is the fulfillment of the Law. This passage encourages a holistic spiritual life where our internal transformation is visibly expressed in our relationships, making our faith tangible and impactful in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the scribe's statement in Mark 12:33?
Answer: The scribe's statement is highly significant because it demonstrates a profound spiritual insight that goes beyond mere legalistic adherence to the Law. By affirming that loving God and neighbor is "more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices," the scribe recognizes the supremacy of internal devotion and ethical conduct over external ritual. This aligns him with Jesus' own teaching and the prophetic tradition, which often emphasized the heart of the Law over its ceremonial aspects (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:22). It highlights that God values a transformed character and loving relationships above all else.
How does "love with all the understanding" differ from "love with all the heart" or "soul"?
Answer: While "heart" (G2588, kardía) often refers to the seat of emotions, will, and moral character, and "soul" (G5590, psychḗ) to the inner life or animating principle, "understanding" (G4907, sýnesis) specifically points to the intellect and discernment. Loving God with all the understanding means engaging one's mind in devotion. It implies a thoughtful, intelligent love that seeks to comprehend God's truth, wisdom, and commands, rather than an unthinking or purely emotional faith. It emphasizes that true worship involves our cognitive faculties, leading to informed obedience and a deeper grasp of divine revelation, as seen in passages like Colossians 1:9.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:33, though spoken by a Jewish scribe, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. Jesus not only taught the supremacy of love for God and neighbor but perfectly lived it out. His entire life was a seamless expression of loving God with all His heart, understanding, soul, and strength, demonstrated through His unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death (Philippians 2:8). Furthermore, His sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of loving His neighbor as Himself, laying down His life for the redemption of humanity (John 15:13). The "whole burnt offerings and sacrifices" of the Old Covenant, which the scribe rightly understood to be secondary to love, were ultimately shadows pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:1-10). Through His atoning work, Jesus provides the means for humanity to be reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely fulfill the very commands of love that Mark 12:33 extols, making the law of love a reality in the hearts of believers (Romans 13:10).