The
Lord our God, the Lord is one
Mark 12:29
Mark 12 [28.] One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together. Knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?”
Mark 12 [29.] Jesus answered, “The greatest is, ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’[a] This is the first commandment. The second is like this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Footnotes:
a. Mark 12:30 Deuteronomy 6:4-5.
b. Mark 12:31 Leviticus 19:18.
Meaning:
This verse captures Jesus’ response to a scribe who asked Him about the greatest commandment. Jesus’ answer begins with the Shema, a fundamental declaration of Jewish faith found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5.
- Setting and Audience:
Debates in Jerusalem: In Mark 12, Jesus is in Jerusalem, engaging in a series of discussions and debates with religious leaders. These leaders, including Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes, question Jesus to test Him and find grounds to accuse Him.
The Scribe’s Question: A scribe, impressed by Jesus’ answers, asks Him which commandment is the greatest (Mark 12:28). This question reflects a common rabbinic debate about the prioritization of the many commandments in the Torah.
Significance
- The Shema:
"Hear, O Israel": The Shema is a central prayer in Jewish worship, recited daily by devout Jews. It begins with a call to listen and acknowledge God’s unique and singular nature.
Monotheism: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one” affirms the foundational belief in the oneness of God, distinguishing Israel’s faith from the polytheistic religions of surrounding nations. This declaration underscores God’s exclusive sovereignty and the importance of undivided devotion.
- Jesus’ Affirmation:
Rooted in Scripture: By beginning His answer with the Shema, Jesus roots His teaching firmly in Jewish Scripture, showing continuity with the foundational beliefs of Israel.
Authority of God’s Word: Jesus’ use of the Shema emphasizes the authority and primacy of God’s Word in determining the greatest commandment. It also highlights the importance of beginning with a correct understanding of who God is.
- Implications for Believers:
Undivided Devotion: The acknowledgment that “the Lord is one” calls for an undivided devotion to God. Believers are to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, as Jesus continues in Mark 12:30.
Foundational Faith: Recognizing the oneness of God is foundational to Christian faith. It shapes our understanding of God’s nature, His sovereignty, and our relationship with Him.
Theological Significance
- Monotheism in Christianity:
One God: The belief in one God is central to Christian theology. It affirms that there is no other God besides the Lord, and all worship and allegiance belong to Him alone.
Isaiah 45:5: “I am Yahweh, and there is no one else. Besides me, there is no God.”
Unity and Trinity: Christian doctrine further reveals the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This unity in diversity reflects the complex and profound nature of the divine.
- Call to Holistic Worship:
Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength: Jesus’ expansion of the Shema in Mark 12:30 calls for a holistic worship that involves every aspect of our being. Loving God fully means engaging our emotions, intellect, will, and physical strength in devotion to Him.
Holistic Life: This comprehensive love for God impacts all areas of life, guiding our thoughts, actions, and priorities.
Practical Applications
- Daily Devotion:
Shema as a Model: Incorporate the Shema into your daily prayers, reminding yourself of God’s singularity and your commitment to love Him fully.
Reflection on God’s Nature: Regularly reflect on the nature and attributes of God. Meditate on His oneness, sovereignty, and faithfulness.
- Wholehearted Love:
Emotional Engagement: Love God with your heart by cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and heartfelt devotion.
Intellectual Pursuit: Engage your mind by studying Scripture, seeking to understand God’s will, and applying biblical principles to all areas of life.
Strength and Will: Serve God with your strength by using your talents, resources, and energy to honor Him and advance His kingdom.
- Community and Witness:
Unified Faith: Foster a sense of unity and common purpose within your faith community, based on the shared belief in the one true God.
Witness to the World: Live out your faith in a way that clearly demonstrates your allegiance to the one God, serving as a witness to His uniqueness and sovereignty in a pluralistic world.
Cross-References:
Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one. You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.” The original Shema, which Jesus quotes, emphasizes the command to love God completely.
John 17:3: “This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” Jesus highlights the importance of knowing the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ, for eternal life.
Ephesians 4:4-6: “There is one body and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in us all.” Paul emphasizes the unity of believers in the one God, highlighting the oneness of the Christian faith.
Conclusion: Mark 12:29 underscores the foundational truth of monotheism and the call to wholehearted devotion to God. Jesus’ affirmation of the Shema connects the core of Jewish faith with the heart of Christian discipleship. As believers, we are called to recognize and worship the one true God, loving Him with every aspect of our being.
This declaration shapes our identity, guides our actions, and unites us as a community of faith. By embracing this commandment, we live out the greatest commandment and reflect the character and love of God in our world. Let us daily commit to loving God fully, knowing Him deeply, and living in a way that honors His singularity and sovereignty.
education - theology
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible