Mark 11 - 12

You Are Not Far From The Kingdom

In today's reading Jesus makes a triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  For those who loved and followed Him, it was a time of great joy to have have the Messiah in their midst.  However, for the religious leaders, His presence was a constant reminder of their hypocrisy, especially since Jesus was not shy in pointing out their sin.

They constantly assailed Him with trick questions and contrived scenarios in a futile attempt to get Him to speak in error.  In 11:28, the leaders ask him directly, "By what authority are you doing all these things?"  Instead of answering, He asks them a question about John's baptism and whether it was earthly or of heaven (v. 30). Befuddled and overly apprehensive about the people's reaction, they provide no answer to Jesus and He responds in kind. In chapter 12, they continue to beset Him with questions about the resurrection (v. 18), marriage in Heaven(v.23), and taxes (v. 15) and He replies with answers that amaze them (v. 17).

It is difficult to know this for certain, but I feel that some of the leaders came to the realization that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.  In verses 28 - 34, an incident is told about one of the teachers (scribes), who remains nameless, who comes to Jesus with the question, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" (v.28).  Jesus replies with, "Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. Any you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself." (vs. 29-31).

The teacher is impressed with Jesus' answer and then adds that these commandments are "more important than to offer all the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law." (v. 33). Now, Jesus is impressed! The man displays a depth of spiritual understanding not normally articulated by the religious leaders. He understands the Law and the spirit of the Law.  Jesus states, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."

Nothing more is said about the fate and destiny of this teacher. Did he become a follower of Jesus, a Christian? Was he in the upper room to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?  Or did he turn his back on Jesus and return to his tradition?  The scripture is silent and, I think, on purpose.  The teacher types every man who encounters the Lord.  We are not far from the Kingdom, but do we enter the Kingdom when given the opportunity?

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.