Not Far from the Kingdom of God
Mark 12:28-34

An honest question… Over the last few weeks we have been following a series of attacks against Jesus. He has been questioned about His authority, about taxes, and about the resurrection. One Scribe who had been listening to Jesus’ words was so impressed with His wisdom that he actually asked an honest question, saying, “Which commandment is the most important of all” (vs. 28)? After the Scribe affirmed Jesus’ answer, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (vs. 34).

Not far from the kingdom… The Scribe was close to God’s kingdom because he rightly understood what life in this kingdom should look like and was courageous enough to be truthful and honest with Jesus. However, Jesus did not say that he was actually “in” the kingdom. According to John 14:6, there exists only one way to enter God’s kingdom… there is only one door. We must be born again, placing our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3). One can grow up in church with godly parents, study theology, and hear the grace of Christ preached all your life and still be outside the kingdom because you rest on your own goodness and not Christ. Make certain that you have entered God’s kingdom.

Life in the kingdom… When we enter the Kingdom by humble faith, we are made new, given new hearts, and called to live a new life (II Corinthians 5:17). We are set free from bondage to selfishness and pride to live the life we were created for, namely a life of loving God supremely and others as ourselves.

*Questions for Reflection:

1. How can a person be certain that they have entered God’s kingdom? Are you certain? Why? Why not?

2. Why are we free, only when we live a life of love?

3. How are you living out the command to love God and your neighbor? How can you love better?