The Second Greatest Commandment | Mark 12:28–34


We’re continuing to examine a question Jesus was asked by a scribe.  His question is, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” (v. 28), and we saw Jesus’s response yesterday.  Unprompted, Jesus went on to list the second in v. 31.  What do we learn?

This is the second, not the second and third.  One of the most common misconceptions about this command is that it’s actually two commands.  The reasoning goes that you cannot love a neighbor “as yourself” if you do not love yourself, so Jesus is commanding that you must love yourself and your neighbor.  However, Jesus gives no indication that this command contains a hidden one, nor does Scripture ever command someone to self-love.

The second command is to love one’s neighbor instead.  This command sums up the last six commandments, the ones which either positively or negatively tell us to deny ourselves and care for others (our parents, spouses, or neighbors).  When James talks about this command, he explains that we can’t show partiality, commit adultery, or murder (Js 2:8–11).  Paul does similarly, explaining that love is the fulfillment of the law (Rm 13:8–10).  We must count others as more significant than ourselves (Phil 2:3–4).

The second command is no easier than the first. As James says, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (Js 2:10).  If you have ever chosen to serve yourself instead of your neighbor, choosing your own self-interests above those of others, then you have transgressed this command.  Every failure to love our neighbors perfectly makes us a lawbreaker! 

As we consider the comprehensive nature loving God and neighbor, we should realize how we, like the scribe, fall short of the kingdom.  The good news is part of His new covenant promise is to put the law on the minds and hearts of His people (Hb 8:10; 10:16).  The Lord comes and gives us understanding (1 Jn 5:20) and pours out His love upon our hearts (Rm 5:3–8).  God’s grace is available to we who ask.

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