MARK 12:28-34
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
Text – Mark 12:28–34
28 One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?”
29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!
30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than He.’
33 And ‘to love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Introduction
In this profound encounter, a scribe—unlike many who came to test Jesus—approaches Him with sincere curiosity and respect. His question, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” reflects a common rabbinic concern, as scholars debated which law among the 613 commandments of the Torah was the greatest. Jesus responds by summarizing the entire Law and the Prophets in two inseparable commandments: love of God and love of neighbor. This exchange captures the heart of the Gospel—faith expressed through total love for God and compassionate service to others.
Historical and Jewish Context
The first commandment Jesus quotes, known as the Shema (from the Hebrew word “Hear”), is found in Deuteronomy 6:4–5 and was recited daily by devout Jews. It affirms monotheism and total devotion to God—heart, soul, mind, and strength signifying the wholeness of human commitment. The second commandment, from Leviticus 19:18, extends this love to one’s neighbor, reflecting the social dimension of holiness. By uniting these two, Jesus reveals that true religion is not mere ritual observance but a living relationship of love that reflects God’s own nature. The scribe’s agreement—rare among Jesus’ opponents—shows genuine spiritual insight. His acknowledgment that love surpasses ritual sacrifice echoes the prophets’ message that obedience and mercy are greater than burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6–8).
Catholic Theological Perspective
This teaching is foundational to Catholic moral theology and spirituality. Love (agape) is the essence of God’s law and the fulfillment of all commandments (Romans 13:10). The first commandment demands complete love for God—intellectually, emotionally, and physically—making Him the center of one’s life. The second commandment naturally flows from the first, since love of neighbor is the visible expression of love for God (1 John 4:20). The Catechism affirms that these two commandments “cannot be separated” (CCC 2067). Jesus’ words, “You are not far from the kingdom of God,” show that understanding the law of love is the doorway to divine communion. The Kingdom is not attained through knowledge alone but through living this love concretely in daily life.
Parallels in Scripture
Deuteronomy 6:4–5 – The Shema, the foundation of Israel’s faith.
Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Hosea 6:6 – “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
Matthew 22:34–40 – The same teaching on the two greatest commandments.
1 John 4:7–21 – “Whoever loves is born of God and knows God.”
Key Terms
Shema – Hebrew for “Hear,” the daily confession of Israel’s faith in the one true God.
Love (Agape) – Self-giving, sacrificial love that seeks the good of the other.
Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength – The totality of human faculties directed toward God.
Neighbor – Every person, especially those in need, as seen through the eyes of divine love.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed in Ordinary Time and is central to catechesis on Christian ethics. It summarizes the moral law and the heart of the Beatitudes. The liturgy itself is structured around these two commandments: love of God in worship and love of neighbor in charity and peace. The Eucharist embodies both realities—our offering to God and our unity as one body in Christ. Every Mass ends with a commission to “go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life,” sending the faithful to live out these commandments in the world.
Conclusion
Jesus teaches that all commandments find their fulfillment in love—love of God and love of neighbor. The scribe’s understanding moves him close to the Kingdom, but Jesus calls all to move from understanding to action. Love is not sentiment but total dedication of one’s life to God and to others. This twofold commandment is the law of the Kingdom and the path to eternal life.
Reflection
Do I love God with my whole heart, mind, and strength, or do I give Him only partial devotion? How do I express my love for God through love of my neighbor? True holiness lies not in words or rituals alone but in the sincere practice of love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You taught that love is the greatest commandment. Fill my heart with love for You above all things and for my neighbor as myself. Help me to see Your presence in everyone I meet and to live each day in charity and faith. May my life reflect the unity of love that fulfills Your law. Amen.