We have been expecting a clash between Jesus and the scribe. Instead, we are surprised that they connect deeply. This is because Jesus meets the scribe where he is and where his understanding will be enhanced. And the scribe is prepared to engage in the debate with openness. He is willing to hear what Jesus is saying and to recognise the truth and wisdom in it – all taken from the law itself. He hears that Jesus has selected from the law that
which is most significant, then and now. The bottom line is love.
When the scribe says, “more important than any holocaust or sacrifice”, he wisely qualifies that this love is not about outside actions or following rules, without heart involvement. It is of no value to go through the motions of religion, like attending church, without seeking any relationship with God, putting money in the collection, fulfilling duties to gain status or approval, or voicing prayers without seeking any depth of relationship with God and neighbour, without love. The love that
Jesus is speaking of and that the scribe recognises as wise involves a real relationship of love of named subjects, God, neighbour and self.
Amongst the 613 Pharisaic laws, one could become lost in diet, cleansing and other practices. In pinpointing the most important laws, we are reminded that God calls us into a relationship that we make real by love of neighbour. This involves dealing with justice for the poor, fair payment for workers, respect for the disabled, assistance for refugees, equality of all people, care of the environment, correction of corruption and prejudice and
more.
There needs to be content to our loving and serving God, not just the words, and our living of moral lives needs to include a relationship with God.
Does my way of life reflect love and service to God and neighbour and self?
Or just actions devoid of love done to “earn heaven” or “avoid hell?”
Or simply following the rules and neglecting relationships?
