32 Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; 33 and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ Mark 12:32
The religious authorities are lining up to ask Jesus trick questions to try to catch him in a heresy. Now a teacher of the law comes and asks a question. “What is the most important law or commandment?” Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6, “4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” This is what Moses taught the Israelites when he came down from Sinai with the law. The man affirms what Jesus has said but phrases the command in his own words showing he has understood and adds the second half of loving a neighbor as one’s self. No tricks from this man and Jesus affirms him.
Matthew explains the scene a bit more,
36 ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ 37 He said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’
Many people can quote these verses and understand that since they have been good to family, friends, and neighbors, they have met the requirements of religion. Being nice to our friends is one thing but loving God is another. Can you paraphrase loving God with heart, soul, and mind? What three words would you use? Blessings as you ponder.
On the Way to Wonder 