Oasis Bible Study – Wed 7 Mar, 2012
Overview of Study
All over the world, people discuss religion. Whether it is in churches or mosques, coffee shops or even pubs, people are drawn into conversations about God, the meaning of life, and the afterlife.
In this passage, Jesus has been discussing religious issues and answering questions about faith for a while. One of the spectators, a lawyer, watches the debate and listens carefully to Christ’s answers. This inspires him to ask his own question: which is the most important commandment?
Approaching God
Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach us the importance of Your words and help us to learn from Your actions. Open our hearts and minds to the message of this Gospel passage. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture: Mark 12:28-34
28 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?"
29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Input from Group
Why did Jesus have to debate religious issues with His people? How was He faring?
What made the lawyer ask his own question? What may have the others thought he was doing?
Why were the commandments so important to the people of Christ’s day? What do you think the lawyer knew of them?
How did Jesus respond to the lawyer’s question? What is of prime importance to Jesus?
How can we love God so intensely?
Why did Jesus add ‘loving your neighbor?’ What was He trying to convey to the lawyer?
How did the lawyer respond? Why did Jesus consider the answer to be wise?
Why did the people stop asking Jesus questions after this event? What effect would it have on His ministry?
Any other questions or comments?
Service Applications
Loving God and loving our neighbor are not mutually equivalent. We are commanded by Christ to love God first and then to love our neighbor next. Why is it so important not to get the one mixed up with the other?
Think about how you love God. How do you love Him with all of your heart? Your soul? Your mind? Your strength?
For silent prayerful reflection: How can I love God more? Who is my neighbor? How can I love God by helping my neighbor?
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