love . See App-135 . with = out of, or from. Greek. ek. App-104 . all thy = thy whole. and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndetom. App-6 . soul . Greek. psuche . App-110 . this (is] the first commandment. Note (in the Greek) the Figure of speech Homoeoteleuton ( App-6 ), for emphasis: haute, prote, entole . read more
30. And thou shalt—We have here the language of law, expressive of God's claims. What then are we here bound down to do? One word is made to express it. And what a word! Had the essence of the divine law consisted in deeds, it could not possibly have been expressed in a single word; for no one deed is comprehensive of all others embraced in the law. But as it consists in an affection of the soul, one word suffices to express it—but only one. Fear, though due to God and enjoined by Him, is... read more
2. The controversy over Jesus’ teaching 12:13-37Controversy over Jesus’ authority led to controversy over His teaching. The Jewish religious leaders attacked Him three times trying to destroy His credibility and popularity. They plied Him with questions about the poll tax (Mark 12:13-17), the resurrection (Mark 12:18-27), and the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-34). Then Jesus took the initiative and questioned them about Messiah’s sonship (Mark 12:35-37). This ended their attacks. The whole... read more
B. Jesus’ teaching in the temple 11:27-12:44This entire section contains Jesus’ teaching in the temple courtyard on Wednesday. The religious leaders first questioned Jesus’ authority (Mark 11:12 to Mark 12:12) and then His teaching (Mark 12:13-37). Finally Jesus condemned their hypocrisy and commended a widow’s action that demonstrated reality (Mark 12:38-44). Jesus functioned as a faithful servant of the Lord in the role of a prophet here. read more
Jesus’ teaching about the greatest commandment 12:28-34 (cf. Matthew 22:34-40)The third attack by Jesus’ enemies involved a question about the greatest commandment (cf. Luke 10:25-28). read more
Mark’s account included Deuteronomy 6:4, which Matthew omitted. This verse, the first in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; cf. Deuteronomy 11:13-21; Numbers 15:37-41) that the Jews repeated twice daily, provides a basis for Deuteronomy 6:5. Shema is the first Hebrew word in this passage, and it means "Hear." Matthew’s Jewish readers would have understood this, but Mark’s Gentile readers probably would not have. Mark 12:4 is an affirmation of belief in the unity of God (i.e., in monotheism). Many of... read more
Various Incidents and Discourses in the Temple1-12. The wicked husbandmen (Matthew 21:33; Luke 20:9). See on Mt.13-17. The tribute money (Matthew 22:15; Luke 20:20). See on Mt.18-27. The Sadducees and the Resurrection (Matthew 22:23; Luke 20:27). See on Mt. 26. In the bush] RV ’in the place’ (i.e. passage) ’concerning the bush.’28-34. The great commandment (Matthew 22:34). See on Mt.35-37. Is Christ the son of David (Matthew 22:41; Luke 20:41). See on Mt.38-40. Warning against the scribes (Luke... read more
(28-34) And one of the scribes came.—See Notes on Matthew 22:34-40. St. Mark’s description is somewhat less precise than St. Matthew’s “one of them (i.e., the Pharisees), a lawyer.” The form of the question differs by the substitution of “first of all” for “great” commandment. read more
Not Far From the Kingdom Mark 12:34 What became of this hopeful young lawyer I cannot tell. Whether he actually reached and entered the kingdom he was so near to, we are not informed. I. He was 'not far from the kingdom,' because he had begun to think seriously on religion. II. Because he had already begun to attach greater importance to the spirit than to the letter. III. Because he was sincerely desirous of acting up to the measure of light which he possessed. IV. Because he was amiable and... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Mark 12:28-34
127. The greatest commandment (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34)When a teacher of the law asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment, Jesus gave an answer that went beyond what the questioner expected. All the commandments of the law could be summarized under the word ‘love’. A person’s first responsibility is to love God; the second is to love one’s fellow human beings. The fact that people are commanded to love shows that love is primarily a matter of doing, not feeling. It is an attitude... read more