Jesus’ teaching about the greatest commandment 12:28-34 (cf. Matthew 22:34-40)The third attack by Jesus’ enemies involved a question about the greatest commandment (cf. Luke 10:25-28). read more
Mark’s account included Deuteronomy 6:4, which Matthew omitted. This verse, the first in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; cf. Deuteronomy 11:13-21; Numbers 15:37-41) that the Jews repeated twice daily, provides a basis for Deuteronomy 6:5. Shema is the first Hebrew word in this passage, and it means "Hear." Matthew’s Jewish readers would have understood this, but Mark’s Gentile readers probably would not have. Mark 12:4 is an affirmation of belief in the unity of God (i.e., in monotheism). Many of... read more
12:29 [is], (k-10) Deuteronomy 6:4-5 . read more
Various Incidents and Discourses in the Temple1-12. The wicked husbandmen (Matthew 21:33; Luke 20:9). See on Mt.13-17. The tribute money (Matthew 22:15; Luke 20:20). See on Mt.18-27. The Sadducees and the Resurrection (Matthew 22:23; Luke 20:27). See on Mt. 26. In the bush] RV ’in the place’ (i.e. passage) ’concerning the bush.’28-34. The great commandment (Matthew 22:34). See on Mt.35-37. Is Christ the son of David (Matthew 22:41; Luke 20:41). See on Mt.38-40. Warning against the scribes (Luke... read more
(28-34) And one of the scribes came.—See Notes on Matthew 22:34-40. St. Mark’s description is somewhat less precise than St. Matthew’s “one of them (i.e., the Pharisees), a lawyer.” The form of the question differs by the substitution of “first of all” for “great” commandment. read more
(29) Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.—The quotation is given more fully by St. Mark than by St. Matthew. The opening words (from Deuteronomy 6:4) were in common use under the name of the Shemà (the Hebrew for “Hear”), and formed the popular expression of the faith of Israel. To say the Shemà was a passport into Paradise for any child of Abraham. read more
Not Far From the Kingdom Mark 12:34 What became of this hopeful young lawyer I cannot tell. Whether he actually reached and entered the kingdom he was so near to, we are not informed. I. He was 'not far from the kingdom,' because he had begun to think seriously on religion. II. Because he had already begun to attach greater importance to the spirit than to the letter. III. Because he was sincerely desirous of acting up to the measure of light which he possessed. IV. Because he was amiable and... read more
CHAPTER 12:28-34 (Mark 12:28-34)THE DISCERNING SCRIBE"And one of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that He had answered them well, asked Him, What commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none... read more
Chapter 12 1. The Parable of the Vineyard. (Mark 12:1-12 .Matthew 21:33-46; Matthew 21:33-46 ; Luke 20:9-19 ) 2. The Question concerning the Tribute Money. (Mark 12:13-17 . Matthew 22:15-22 ; Luke 20:20-26 ) 3. The Sadducees Questioning concerning Resurrection. (Mark 12:18-27 . Matthew 22:23-33 ; Luke 20:27-38 ) 4. The Question of the Scribe. (Mark 12:28-34 .Matthew 22:34-40; Matthew 22:34-40 ) 5. His Question. (Mark 12:35-37 . Matthew 22:41-46 ; Luke 20:41-44 ) 6. Beware of the... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Mark 12:27-44
B. Jesus’ teaching in the temple 11:27-12:44This entire section contains Jesus’ teaching in the temple courtyard on Wednesday. The religious leaders first questioned Jesus’ authority (Mark 11:12 to Mark 12:12) and then His teaching (Mark 12:13-37). Finally Jesus condemned their hypocrisy and commended a widow’s action that demonstrated reality (Mark 12:38-44). Jesus functioned as a faithful servant of the Lord in the role of a prophet here. read more