33. And to love him with all the heart . . . and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices—more, that is, than all positive institutions; thereby showing insight into the essential difference between what is moral and in its own nature unchangeable, and what is obligatory only because enjoined, and only so long as enjoined. read more
34. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly—rather, "intelligently," or "sensibly"; not only in a good spirit, but with a promising measure of insight into spiritual things. he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God—for he had but to follow out a little further what he seemed sincerely to own, to find his way into the kingdom. He needed only the experience of another eminent scribe who at a later period said, "We know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold... 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 alone recorded the scribe’s response and Jesus’ comment (Mark 12:34). These words underscore the importance of Jesus’ teaching. The scribe believed Jesus’ answer was correct. He, too, viewed love as more important than the observance of religious ritual (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6). This was not typical of the Pharisees, who regarded ritual observance as more important than attitude, and ceremony as more important than morality.". . . the ’friendly scribe’ himself puts his finger on the... read more
Jesus meant that the scribe was not far from entering the kingdom. His openness to Scriptural revelation and his positive orientation to Jesus, if continued, would bring him to faith in Jesus and ultimately entrance into His kingdom.Jesus’ skillful answers discouraged His critics from trying to trap Him. They stopped asking Him questions.It was clear that Jesus’ derived His authority from God’s Word (cf. Mark 11:28). All the answers He gave went back to the Old Testament. Since this is the... read more
12:33 intelligence, (a-13) The word is different from that translated 'understanding' in v. 30. 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
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Mark 12:32
32. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master—Teacher. thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he—The genuine text here seems clearly to have been, "There is one," without the word "God"; and so nearly all critical editors and expositors read. read more