What Jesus Did! 'I Agree!' — Mark 12:32-33

Sunday, September 8, 2024

[After Jesus answered that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others, the] teacher of religious law replied, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law."
— Mark 12:32-33 NLT

Key Thought

Even though hearing someone tell Jesus that he gave a good answer might sound strange to us, it didn't seem to bother Jesus, as indicated in the next verse (Mark 12:34). Still, the wording of the man's reply to Jesus can remind us that our judgment on Jesus' teachings is not the issue. Our obedience to Jesus' teachings is the issue. Arguments that are about fine points of interpretation on spiritual matters can become excuses for pride or division. Jesus' concern is that we honor the will of God by obeying what he says. This obedience must be obedience of the heart and not just obedience in behavior. While I hope and trust that everyone who reads this devotional today appreciates, agrees, and applauds the teaching of Jesus, we must realize that it is not our place to sit in judgment on the merit of Jesus' teaching. Instead, you and I are called to obey him as our Lord and thus honor the Father who sent him.

Today's Prayer

O Father, may my search for truth never end with just admiration for the teachings your Son gave to us. Help me in my resolve not only to know the truth, but also to live it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 3:33-35
  • Matthew 7:24-27
  • 2 Timothy 2:23-26

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 12:32-33 NLT — "Well said, Teacher."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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