Mark 12:28-34

5th of 6th controversy stories to happen in the temple the last week of Jesus ministry

Jesus combines Deut 6:4-5 and Lev 19:17-18

“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one., 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Dt 6:4–6.

17 “Do not harbor hatred against your brother., Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him. 18 Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.

The approach by someone who has been hostile as a law expert sets up for a controversial story, almost flips or changes it as there was an agreement.

Luke omits it, but in a similar fashion has a story from a law expert asking “ what should i do to inherit eternal life?” The lawyer answers correctly:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind Love your neighbor as yourself Jesus replies in verse 28: You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.

In this situation Jesus is being challenged, attempted to be trapped so it isn’t a suprise to us as readers to see this.

“The Lord is One” Plays off monotheism of Israel’s . Greco-Roman world at the time had simply many gods.

Even though the first commandment is all that is asked by Jesus, he also gives the second as well.

The command to love your neighbor appears frequently in second temple Judaism.

45.Jesus extends loving your neighbor to everyone, for example Matthew 5

43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. C45.Jesus extends loving your neighbor to everyone, for example Matthew 5

The Kingdom of God is one of the major themes of Mark, Jesus tells them you are not far from it.

We are kind of left wondering about the law expert and how his story turns out as the reader.

Debates on what laws are kept what aren’t since Jesus said he fulfilled them. This however is a foundational statement by Jesus the will fulfill all laws in action and practicality.

If you do this, then the laws will be complete.