“Which is the first commandment of all?”
The full verse · Mark 12:28 · KJV
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Asked by
Scribes: one of the scribes, an expert in the law of Moses, who had heard Jesus answer the Sadducees and perceived "that he had answered them well" (Mark 12:28); Matthew calls him "a lawyer" (Matthew 22:35)
Asked to
Jesus: the Son of God and promised Messiah, teaching in the temple, who had just answered the Sadducees about the resurrection (Mark 12:18-27)
The Scene
In the temple, one of the scribes has listened to Jesus answer the Sadducees about the resurrection and comes forward with a question of his own (Mark 12:18-28).
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionThis scribe came forward after hearing the debate. He saw "that he had answered them well" (Mark 12:28). So he brought Jesus a question: which commandment stands first of all. Barnes says it "seems to have been one of the very few candid inquiries" put to Jesus, and says Jesus "answered it in like spirit of kindness." Matthew Henry describes the man as "not tempting Christ, but desiring to improve his acquaintance with him." Matthew's account says the lawyer asked "tempting him" (Matthew 22:35), so his question may also have been a test. Mark lets us see the honest side of the man.
The Response
What Scripture recordsJesus answered him. The first commandment is "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord," and to love Him "with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength" (Mark 12:29-30). Though asked for one, He gave a second: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12:31). The scribe agreed, saying such love "is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices" (Mark 12:32-33). Jesus saw that he "answered discreetly" and told him, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God," and after that no one dared ask Him any more questions (Mark 12:34).
Historical Context
The world behind the wordsScribes were experts who studied, copied, and taught the law of Moses. Gill notes that Matthew calls him a lawyer (Matthew 22:35), "an interpreter of the law, as a Scribe was." Jesus' answer comes straight from the law. The first part is from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which begins "Hear, O Israel," and the second from Leviticus 19:18. The scribe's reply compares love with "whole burnt offerings and sacrifices" (Mark 12:33), the offerings brought to the temple where they stood. Barnes explains "discreetly" (Mark 12:34) as "Wisely, according to truth."
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyJesus' answer shows what God wants most from His people: love. Love for God comes first and takes the whole person, heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love for neighbor comes second and cannot be separated from it. Jesus ties the two together: "There is none other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:31).
This exchange is warm in the middle of the temple debates (Mark 12:13-34). Barnes says the scribe's preference for inward worship over outward ritual showed how a right understanding of the Old Testament prepares the heart for Christ. Matthew Henry hears in Jesus' words, "thou art in a likely way to be a Christian." Yet "not far" is not the same as inside. Knowing the right answer brought the scribe close; the next step was to follow the One who gave it.
Look Closer
What led the scribe to ask Jesus this question?
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Father, You ask for all my heart, soul, mind, and strength; which part of me have I been holding back from loving You, and how do You want me to love my neighbor?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- The scribe knew the right answer and was "not far" from the kingdom. What is the difference between knowing what matters most and living it?
- Jesus joined love for God and love for neighbor. Tell about someone whose love for God showed up clearly in how they treated people.
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
When life feels crowded with duties, come back to what Jesus called first: love the Lord your God with everything you are, and love your neighbor as yourself. These two commands can sort out a busy week. Ask of each choice whether it flows from love for God and love for others.
The scribe saw that love is "more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices" (Mark 12:33). Religious activity cannot take the place of a heart given to God and kindness given to people.
This does not mean outward obedience is unimportant. Jesus did not set the law aside; He named its center. And being "not far" is an invitation to come all the way to Him. Scripture's own application: Romans 13:9-10
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
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