Summary: “The Greatest Thing” [Remade, Gospel of Mark, part 3] Text: Mark 12:28-34 February 2/3, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30) The Greatest Thing The rabbis’ riddle Jesus’ unique approach to the question Beginning with God and the Shema Love for God Heart Soul Mind Strength Love for Your Neighbor Leviticus 19:18 The definition of neighbor Drawing Near to the Kingdom of God What leads us close What holds us back Discussion Questions: What would you say that Christianity is all about? This week we will look at Mark 12:28-34. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read the passage aloud. In the midst of Jesus’ ongoing conversations with religious leaders (Mark 11-12), he has the only positive conversation with a teacher of the law. Behind this question is a long, and still ongoing, discussion about what the heart of faith in God is all about. One rabbi suggested four different summary Bible passages that talked about life with God. Take a moment to look them up and consider them: Psalm 15, Isaiah 35:15-16; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 56:1. Jesus brings together two key Bible passages for the people of Israel: Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18. Why do you think that Jesus brings these two passages together to answer the scribe’s question? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your love of God? Why would you rate it in that way? Jesus calls us to love our neighbor. Leviticus 19 is mostly a discussion of care and love within the Israelite community. Jesus broadens that out to all people in Luke 10:25-37. What ‘neighbors’ are easy for you to love? What ‘neighbors’ are hard for you to love? In his response, the religious teacher agrees with Jesus’ response. What do you think Jesus means by saying he is not far from the kingdom of God? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together. Next week we will start a new part of our study of the Gospel of Mark called “Journey to the Cross.” To prepare for next week’s message, you might want to read Mark 14-16.
