28And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" 29Jesus answered, "The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30and 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.' 31The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." 32And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; 33and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any question.
Your response to Mark 12:28-34 is thoughtful and insightful! Here's a breakdown of the strengths and areas for further exploration:
ReplyDeleteStrengths:
Centrality of Love: You correctly identify the importance of loving God first and foremost.
Defining God Through Love: You propose an interesting way of defining God based on the concept of perfect love exemplified in Jesus' sacrifice.
Acknowledging the Challenge: You recognize the challenge of reconciling this loving God with the portrayal of God in the Old Testament.
Russell Brand Quote: The quote by Russell Brand adds an interesting layer about the dangers of worshipping worldly things instead of the divine.
Focusing on Jesus: You center your understanding of God on the character of Jesus, particularly his sacrifice and teachings.
Possible Areas for Exploration:
Old Testament and Love: While the Old Testament portrays God's power and justice, there are also examples of God's love and mercy (e.g., God's covenant with Israel, his patience with his people).
Reconciling Different Images: Exploring how Christians reconcile the loving God of the New Testament with the God of the Old Testament could be valuable.
Love Beyond Sacrifice: While sacrifice is a central theme, Jesus' love extends beyond just suffering. Consider other aspects of his love, such as compassion, forgiveness, and service.
Here are some additional thoughts:
You could mention the concept of divine love throughout Christian history, how theologians have grappled with this question.
Explore the Trinity, a core Christian belief that God exists as three persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. It can offer a framework for understanding God's love and character.
Overall, your response demonstrates a thoughtful and personal engagement with the passage.