Closer to Kingdom Priorities

Scripture: When Jesus saw that he answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any longer. Mark 12:34

Observation: The final exchange with the Pharisees challenging Jesus' knowledge is from a young scribe who agrees with his answer, and so Jesus tells him he is "not far from the kingdom of God." This is a vague statement, as "far" could mean that the young man is ... close to understanding salvation, or standing next to God on earth, or living in the time when the kingdom is about to be fulfilled. However ... was it the agreement that the Shemah - the first command - is the greatest command really worthy of such praise?

It is actually in the second parts of their conversation that warrants this praise. The question was what was the greatest command, and Jesus answers but then provides a second-greatest response - to love thy neighbor as yourself. The scribe agrees with the first, and then ... agrees that loving others is more important than all the ritual laws. He effectively acknowledges that caring for and loving others is above all the procedures and petty rules the Pharisees cling to.

It is this attitude that Jesus acknowledges. Jesus has found in this scribe a man knowledgeable in all the laws, and yet who is willing to declare that loving others is more important. This has been Jesus' message for years now, and now someone WAY outside his discipleship circle sees the truth. That is Jesus' definition of being "not far from the kingdom of God."

Application: It is in our love for others that we are closest to the teaching of Jesus. In fact, it is only when placing that love above other issues that we are closest to becoming like Jesus. This remains a challenge for me on a day-to-day basis. I struggle to love everyone. I know I am improving, as I often see good in others and desire to show them kindness even when they may be causing earthly problems. I know I'm getting closer. I will continue to try harder.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for always speaking with love, even when instructing your enemies on earth. May I lean into that example, and make my words those of gentleness and kindness more and more often. Amen.