The Simplicity of Following Jesus
(S) Scripture
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:28-31 (NIV)
(O) Observation
The Jewish leaders have been trying to catch Jesus in something they can arrest him for. He simply outsmarts them at every turn. The leaders are afraid of a public revolt if they arrest Jesus without cause because the people are thrilled with Jesus' teaching. In response to a question Jesus gives the foundation for faith. God is one not many and we are to love God with all that we are and then love others as ourselves. Simple and straightforward. There was no mistaking the message here. This was not a hidden truth in a parable but was a simple understandable answer.
(A) Application
The Pharisees and teachers of the law had concocted so many rules for the "righteous" to live by that it was nearly impossible. They were filled with spiritual pride because they were better at keeping their rules than others. Too often we resemble these rule makers. We make following Jesus about rules rather than about loving him. Jesus strikes at the heart of such oppressive legalism. Our faith is simple and easy to understand. Love God with all we are and Others as ourselves. How simple is that. Easy to understand and tough to do. Today I need to return to the simplicity of following Jesus. Simple but not simplistic. How free would we be in our lives if we practiced this and this alone. Today I renew my commitment to Love God with all that I am and to love others as I love myself.
(P) Prayer
Lord, help me to keep my focus on loving you and then loving others will fall into place. Let em do what you command. Amen
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