Life’s Greatest Quest (Mark 12:28-34)

March 7, 2010

I.     The Question: What is most important? (v. 28)
     A.     Was the scribe's question genuine?
          1.     Jesus had just silenced the Sadducees (vv. 18-27).
          2.     The Pharisees put great emphasis on the law.
               a.     613 laws: 365 negative, 248 positive.
               b.     Debate: which ones were more important?
          3.     Why did this man ask the question?
               a.     Spokesman for Pharisees trying to trick Jesus?
               b.     Genuinely wanted to know the truth?
B.     We all need to deal with the question: What is most important in life?
     1.     Think deeper than simply following rules (law).
     2.     What summarizes all of the Bible's teachings?
     3.     What will make the greatest difference in life?

II.     The Answer: Love God. (vv. 29-31)
     A.     Jesus summarized the entire message of the Bible.
          1.     God stands in importance above everything else, v. 29.
2.     Love God with your whole life, v. 30.
     a.     Heart- affections, desires.
     b.     Soul- being, inner self.
     c.     Mind- intellect.
     d.     Strength- physical abilities.
3.     Love for others follows love for God, v. 31.
     a.     Everyone is our neighbor.
     b.     Love sees value in others and in self.
     B.     Life cannot reach its best until God is first priority.
          1.     Every part of our life stands or falls on this point.
          2.     The point is to make the most of the life God has given.

III.     The Response: God is Right! (vv. 32-34)
     A.     The light of understanding came on in the man's mind.
          1.     He recognized that Jesus spoke the truth.
          2.     Though he understood he did not accept.
               a.     Jesus said he was close.
               b.     Knowledge is not the same thing as faith.
     B.     What does this say for Calvary?
          1.     Ministries should point to truth, not religion.
          2.     We want to guide people to genuine faith.
          3.     Our goal: teach people to love God with their whole life.

Personal Challenges
1.     Help Calvary start living this commitment.
     a.     Seek to grow in your love of God as life's greatest priority.
     b.     Ask God to help Calvary develop this same commitment.
     c.     Get involved to help carry out our vision.
2.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?