Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question.

I have heard many say that the whole Gospel, and indeed the whole Bible, can be summed up in today’s reading: the greatest commandments is to love God and to love your neighbour. This is true, however, Jesus’ response to the scribe who “answered wisely” reveals that knowledge of these commandments is not quite enough to arrive at the Kingdom of God—though he is not far off.

So the question is: what is this wise scribe missing? A helpful comparison can be made with the character presented in C.S. Lewis’ book, The Great Divorce. This character possesses deep knowledge and a love of religious discussion, yet he refuses to enter reality when invited. He prefers analysing truth over surrendering to it. Lewis shows that many fail to enter Heaven, not through lack of knowledge, but through pride and attachment – choosing their own ideas over transformation.

The scribe is different, but only just. He recognises truth and affirms that love is greater than sacrifice. Yet he remains “not far.” What he lacks is not understanding, but surrender.

To love God fully is not merely to know the commandment, but to be changed by it: to move from conversation about God to communion with Him. The Kingdom is not entered by insight alone, but by a life transformed in love.

How can you be changed by the greatest commandments today?
What do you need to surrender to God?