Points of Meditation & Reflection
Sermon Title & Text “Gaining Godly Vision” Mark 12:28-34 ESV
Message Series: Astonished! Our current study in the book of Mark is an opportunity to grow in our understanding of Christ’s power & authority. . Message in a Sentence: Life Simplified: Love God, love people.
1. Since entering Jerusalem in ch 11, Jesus has encountered several groups: Chief priests, Scribes, elders, Pharisees, Herodians and The Sadducees. Each group has a “code” that defines who they are, what their function is and how they behave. Yet, from the group comes one desiring to break from the crowd and learn earnestly of Christ.
2. One scribe hears Jesus’ answer to the Sadducees and the apparent dispute within the entire group and asks Christ, “What is the most important commandment”. Each group had their own perspective and position of importance. Only what’s important to God is truly important.
3. People elevate their own interests, but here is what’s important to God:
a. Total devotion to God - Dt. 6:5,6
b. Love people, like you love yourself - Lev. 19:18
4. Total Devotion to God, is to live with all of ALL of ”you” yielded to God:
a. All Your Heart - Core of you
b. All Your Soul - Essence of who you are (personality)
c. All Your Mind - Your thoughts
d. All Your Strength - all your Capacity/Ability
5. The one scribe receives the truth from Christ and is elevated above the traditional self centered “code” of a scribe (cf 12:38-40). It is a reminder that there are no group tickets to heaven. We each must come to know Christ for ourselves.
6. Devotion to God calls for loving people. The command of God is more important than the ritual of animal sacrifice that had become devoid of any commitment to God.
7. The scribe’s answer brought him close to the kingdom. However, his answer was only acknowledging God, but fell short of surrendering to Christ as God. What is your testimony of who Christ is in your life.

To continue to develop your relationship with Christ, spend time every day this week praying and meditating on this passage and it’s truths [EveryDay Jesus - below].

Edward

Everyday Jesus: Mark 12:28-34 Increasing our love and devotion to Christ.

· Monday: Read Mark 11-12. The scribes are 1 of many groups that have challenged Jesus since he entered Jerusalem. The 1 scribe (12:28) is the 1st individual to genuinely seek Jesus. Today, praise the Lord for your personal relationship with Him which is stronger than your “group”.
· Tuesday: Mark 12:28-34.1 scribe asked, What is the most important commandment. What personal insight do you need from Christ? Where you have questions, concerns, decisions, etc…ask God for His insight and wisdom.
· Wednesday: Read Mark 12:28-29, Dt 6:4-9, 11:13-21 & Num 15:37-41 make up the Shema. As you read those passages, you will see the devotion God requires of us. Read and pray, for your devotion to increase and be acceptable in His sight.
· Thursday: Mark 12:28-34. There are 4 areas of our lives that are to be totally devoted to God: heart, soul, mind, strength(SN4). Today, pray for total surrender to God. Ask the Lord to show you where you are not totally surrendered to Him.
· Friday: Mark 12:28-34. In v31, totally loving God leads to the ability to love people. Write down the names of the people that are most challenging to love. Now, devote yourself to God on behalf of those relationships. “God, teach me to love you in a way that enables me to love/show kindness to

”.
· Saturday: Mark 12:28-34. The 1 scribe came to understand that personal devotion to God is greater than ritual and habit. Write out your personal testimony and thank God for what He has carried you through. Let your testimony guide you into praise & thanksgiving. God is good!