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.
