This week's Gospel account takes place in the final week before Jesus’ death. In Mark 11, Jesus has (on a humble donkey) triumphantly entered Jerusalem. Jesus then cursed a fig tree and cleared the temple courts of those who were buying and selling there. The Chief priests questioned Jesus' authority for doing this and began looking for a way to kill him.
Jesus continued to teach with authority and received many questions from religious leaders, most intending to trap him and give them a reason to dispose of him.
The religious leaders of Jesus' time were threatened by his teachings. They saw him as a disruptor who challenged their authority and interpretation of the law. To silence him, they devised cunning questions to trap him.
In this context, we arrive at our verse for today. Another religious leader asks Jesus a question: “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
We might expect that the same trap is set for Jesus at the start of this passage as in the prior stories recorded in Mark. This, indeed, may be the case.
However, Jesus' interaction with the religious
leader in this encounter is positive, and one has to wonder if the religious leader was asking a genuine question.
We are told that the teacher of the law was impressed with Jesus’ wisdom and answer to a previous question. Perhaps this reveals his intent, which was purer than initially suspected.
If this interpretation is correct, then just as the teacher of the
law recognised Jesus' wisdom and was willing to ask him a question, we can also approach Jesus with our questions and concerns. We, too, should seek understanding and be open to Jesus' teachings, even if they challenge our beliefs.
Do you feel comfortable to bring your questions and concerns to God in prayer? How could a willingness to allow your heart to be transformed help your relationship with God?
Reflections by Rev Joe Taylor
