THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMANDMENT

The Gospel of Mark #42

Pastor Dennis Clanton

Woodland Church

Wednesday, March 3, 2024

(Mark 12:28–34, NLT) “One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.” Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.”

(Deuteronomy 6:4–5, NLT) “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

1. Love is expressed in what you do.

(Deuteronomy 6:5, NLT) “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

a. Heart – thought, will

b. Soul – passion, desire

c. Strength – very much

d. Mind – decision making

Application – Be faithful always.

2. Love extends in all directions.

(Leviticus 19:18, NLT) “Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

(Mark 10:21, NLT) “Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.”

3. Take the next step and cross the line to follow Jesus.

(Mark 12:34, NLT) “Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.”

GROWTHWORK

1.      Heart Training – Get faster by going slower.

2.      Soul Training – Intentionally worship and love God throughout the day.

3.      Strength Training – Care for yourself physically.

4.      Mental Training – Focus my thoughts on godliness and what love demands.