Lisa Thornton begins her reflection on Mark 12:28-34 by asking, “What is Jesus up to here?” Always a good question. We need to remember also that Jesus was a Jewish man in Roman-occupied Roman 1st century Palestinian land, but also think about his words and actions in the context of our current time and place. Only together in both places these stories impact our lives and help us live into them.

Here in Mark, religious rulers are trying to entrap Jesus. In this passage, a religious scholar is asking Jesus about Old Testament law — what the greatest commandment is. Jesus responds by quoting the Shema: a Deuteronomy passage instructing the Jewish people to love God with all their heart, soul, and might. Jesus adds “mind.” Secondly, he says, is to love one’s neighbor as one’s self.

Jesus is confirming his identity as a member of this Jewish community. He’s telling this scribe what he needs to hear. The Shema is the unifying message among the Jewish people. The leaders that are trying to trip him up are trying to show that he’s an outsider. But Jesus comes back to center, encouraging them to listen. In addition, he is summarizing his vision for his followers.

Lisa delves deeper into heart, soul, and mind love, and reminds us that God is interested in love that is communal, and protective of others.

Hear more in the audio below.