Mark 12:34
When Jesus saw that the man had answered wisely, He said, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one dared to question Him any further.
When Jesus saw
This phrase indicates Jesus' perceptive ability, not just in a physical sense but in a spiritual and intellectual sense. The Greek word for "saw" is "ἰδών" (idón), which implies a deeper understanding or insight. Jesus, being fully divine, possesses the ability to discern the hearts and minds of individuals, seeing beyond mere words to the intentions and wisdom behind them.

he had answered wisely
The Greek word for "wisely" is "νουνεχῶς" (nounechōs), which suggests prudence and understanding. The scribe's response to Jesus' teaching about the greatest commandments demonstrated a grasp of the deeper truths of the Law, moving beyond mere legalism to the heart of God's commandments—love for God and neighbor. This wisdom is not just intellectual but spiritual, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will.

He said to him
This phrase underscores the personal nature of Jesus' interaction. Jesus addresses the scribe directly, indicating a personal engagement and acknowledgment of the scribe's understanding. It reflects the relational aspect of Jesus' ministry, where He meets individuals where they are and speaks directly into their lives.

You are not far from the kingdom of God
The phrase "not far" suggests proximity, both in understanding and in spiritual readiness. The Greek word "μακρὰν" (makran) means "far" or "distant," and its negation here implies that the scribe is close to grasping the full truth of the Gospel. The "kingdom of God" is a central theme in Jesus' teaching, representing God's sovereign rule and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. The scribe's understanding of the law's essence brings him near to this kingdom, yet he still needs to recognize Jesus as the Messiah to fully enter.

And no one dared to question Him any further
This statement highlights the authority and wisdom of Jesus. The Greek word "ἐτόλμα" (etolma) for "dared" implies courage or boldness, suggesting that the religious leaders recognized the futility of challenging Jesus further. His answers consistently revealed their lack of understanding and His superior grasp of the Scriptures. This moment marks a turning point where Jesus' authority is acknowledged, albeit reluctantly, by those who sought to trap Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who acknowledges the scribe's wise answer and provides a profound insight into the proximity to the kingdom of God.

2. The Scribe
A Jewish legal expert who engages Jesus in a discussion about the greatest commandment. His understanding and response earn him a commendation from Jesus.

3. The Kingdom of God
A central theme in Jesus' teaching, representing God's sovereign rule and the realm of salvation and righteousness.

4. The Temple in Jerusalem
The setting for this interaction, where Jesus is teaching and being questioned by various religious leaders.

5. The Crowd
The broader audience witnessing the exchange between Jesus and the scribe, who are left in awe and silence by Jesus' wisdom.
Teaching Points
Wisdom in Understanding
The scribe's wise answer shows the importance of understanding God's commandments deeply. We should seek wisdom in our study of Scripture to draw closer to God.

Proximity to the Kingdom
Being "not far from the kingdom of God" suggests that intellectual understanding must be coupled with a heart transformation. We should strive for both knowledge and a heart aligned with God's will.

The Role of Love
Love for God and neighbor is foundational to Christian living. Our actions and decisions should be motivated by love, reflecting the greatest commandments.

Silence and Awe
The crowd's reaction to Jesus' wisdom reminds us of the power of truth. We should approach God's Word with reverence and a willingness to be transformed by its truth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the scribe's understanding of the commandments reflect a deeper wisdom that Jesus commends?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our knowledge of Scripture leads to a heart transformation, not just intellectual understanding?

3. How do the greatest commandments to love God and neighbor influence our daily decisions and interactions with others?

4. What does it mean to be "not far from the kingdom of God," and how can we move closer to fully entering it?

5. How can we cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God's Word in our personal Bible study and communal worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 22:34-40
and Luke 10:25-28
These passages parallel the account in Mark, where Jesus discusses the greatest commandment, emphasizing love for God and neighbor.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5
and Leviticus 19:18
These Old Testament scriptures are the basis for Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandments, highlighting the importance of love in the law.

Romans 13:8-10
Paul echoes Jesus' teaching by stating that love fulfills the law, reinforcing the centrality of love in Christian ethics.
Critical HoursH. W. Beecher.Mark 12:34
Crossing the LineJohn Ker, D. D.Mark 12:34
Danger of This StateC. H. Spurgeon.Mark 12:34
For the Candid and ThoughtfulC. H. Spurgeon.Mark 12:34
Indecision DangerousJ. Thornton.Mark 12:34
Lost Within Sight of HomeMark 12:34
Mark Xii. 34Thomas ArnoldMark 12:34
Mere Morality Alone is Remote from the Kingdom of GodT. Horton, D. D.Mark 12:34
Near But not SecureT. Horton, D. D.Mark 12:34
Nearly a ChristianT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.Mark 12:34
Nearness not PossessionJ. S. Swan.Mark 12:34
Need of Self-ExaminationG. Petter.Mark 12:34
Not Far and not InAlexander MaclarenMark 12:34
Not Far from God's KingdomJ. N. Norton, D. D.Mark 12:34
Not Far from the KingdomJ. Vaughan, M. A.Mark 12:34
Not Far from the Kingdom of GodJohn Ker, D. D.Mark 12:34
Not Far from the Kingdom of GodA.F. Muir Mark 12:34
Not Far OffSeeds and Saplings.Mark 12:34
Not Quite in TimeJ. N. Norton, D. D.Mark 12:34
Not Quite Saved is LostT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.Mark 12:34
Obedience to God the Way to Faith in ChristJohn Henry NewmanMark 12:34
On the Verge of the KingdomD. Moore, M. A.Mark 12:34
Pharisaical Righteousness to be ExceededT. Horton, D. D.Mark 12:34
Reasons Why a Man Who is Near the Kingdom Should Strive to Enter ItJohn Ker, D. D.Mark 12:34
So NearC. H. Spurgeon.Mark 12:34
Some are in the Suburbs of the City of RefugeMark 12:34
Question About the Greatest CommandmentJ.J. Given Mark 12:28-34
The Essence of ReligionE. Johnson Mark 12:28-34
The Great CommandR. Green Mark 12:28- 34
The Law Akin to the Gospel, But Inferior to itA.F. Muir Mark 12:28-34
People
David, Herodians, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Dared, Discreetly, Durst, Fear, Forward, Intelligently, Kingdom, Perceiving, Question, Questioning, Questions, Reign, Scribe, Seeing, Understanding, Venture, Ventured, Wise, Wisely
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 12:28-34

     5381   law, letter and spirit
     8452   neighbours, duty to

Mark 12:28-40

     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Mark 12:29-34

     5379   law, Christ's attitude

Mark 12:33-34

     7322   burnt offering

Library
God's Last Arrow
'Having yet therefore one son, his well-beloved, he sent him also last unto them.'--Mark xii. 6. Reference to Isaiah v. There are differences in detail here which need not trouble us. Isaiah's parable is a review of the theocratic history of Israel, and clearly the messengers are the prophets; here Christ speaks of Himself and His own mission to Israel, and goes on to tell of His death as already accomplished. I. The Son who follows and surpasses the servants. (a) Our Lord here places Himself in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dishonest Tenants
'And He began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. 2. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. 3. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. 4. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Not Far and not In
'Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.'--Mark xii. 34, 'A bruised reed He will not break, and the smoking flax He will not quench.' Here is Christ's recognition of the low beginnings of goodness and faith. This is a special case of a man who appears to have fully discerned the spirituality and inwardness of law, and to have felt that the one bond between God and man was love. He needed only to have followed out the former thought to have been smitten by the conviction of his own sinfulness, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed Defended. --Miracles vindicated.
Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God. ON a certain occasion, the Son of Man was asked what was thought a hard question by those who, in His day, professed "the negative Theology [588] ." There was a moral and there was physical marvel to be solved. Both difficulties were met by a single sentence. The Sadducean judgment had gone astray from the Truth, (planasthe our Saviour said,) from a twofold cause: (1) The men did not understand those very Scriptures
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ.
"When Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God."--Mark xii. 34. The answer of the scribe, which our blessed Lord here commends, was occasioned by Christ's setting before him the two great commandments of the Law. When He had declared the love of God and of man to comprehend our whole duty, the scribe said, "Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He: and to love Him with all the heart, and with
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Unity of the Divine Being
"There is one God." Mark 12:32. 1. And as there is one God, so there is one religion and one happiness for all men. God never intended there should be any more; and it is not possible there should. Indeed, in another sense, as the Apostle observes, "there are gods many, and lords many." All the heathen nations had their gods; and many, whole shoals of them. And generally, the more polished they were, the more gods they heaped up to themselves. But to us, to all that are favoured with the Christian
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

For the Candid and Thoughtful
It strikes me that this scribe was half-hearted in the work of tempting our Lord, even at the first. I should imagine him to have been a very superior man amongst his fellows, a man of greater light and discernment than the rest, and of greater ability in statement and discussion. Possibly for this cause his brother scribes selected him, and put him forward to ask the testing questions. Now, it will sometimes happen that a man is thrust forward by others to do what he would never have thought of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

The First and Great Commandment
It is "the first commandment," again, not only for antiquity, but for dignity. This command, which deals with God the Almighty must ever take precedence of every other. Other commandments deal with man and man, but this with man and his Creator. Other commands of a ceremonial kind, when disobeyed, may involve but slight consequences upon the person who may happen to offend, but this disobeyed provokes the wrath of God, and brings his ire at once upon the sinner's head. He that stealeth committeth
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Observing the Offerings and Widow's Mites.
(in the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^B Mark XII. 41-44; ^C Luke XXI. 1-4. ^b 41 And he sat down over against the treasury [It is said that in the court of the women there were cloisters or porticos, and under the shelter of these were placed thirteen chests with trumpet-shaped mouths into which offerings might be dropped. The money cast in was for the benefit of the Temple. An inscription on each chest showed to which one of the thirteen special items of cost or expenditure the contents would
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

A Serious Persuasive to Such a Method of Spending Our Days as is Represented in the Former Chapter.
1, 2. Christians fix their views too low, and indulge too indolent a disposition, which makes it more necessary to urge such a life as that under consideration.--3. It is therefore enforced, from its being apparently reasonable, considering ourselves as the creatures of God, and as redeemed by the blond of Christ.--4. From its evident tendency to conduce to our comfort in life.--5. From the influence it will have to promote our usefulness to others.--6. From its efficacy to make afflictions lighter.--7.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Cross as a Social Principle
Social Redemption is Wrought by Vicarious Suffering DAILY READINGS First Day: The Prophetic Succession And he began to speak unto them in parables. A man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge about it, and digged a pit for the winepress, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into another country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruits of the vineyard. And they took him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

Whether to the Words, "Thou Shalt Love the Lord Thy God with Thy Whole Heart," it was Fitting to Add "And with Thy Whole Soul, and with Thy Whole Strength"?
Objection 1: It would seem that it was unfitting to the words, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with thy whole heart," to add, "and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole strength" (Dt. 6:5). For heart does not mean here a part of the body, since to love God is not a bodily action: and therefore heart is to be taken here in a spiritual sense. Now the heart understood spiritually is either the soul itself or part of the soul. Therefore it is superfluous to mention both heart and soul. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Tribute Money
"And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch Him in talk. And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that Thou art true, and carest not for any one: for Thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye Me? bring Me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Christ and the Sadduccees
"And there come unto Him Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection: and they asked Him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave a wife behind him, and leave no child, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed; and the second took her, and died, leaving no seed behind him; and the third likewise: and the seven left no seed. Last of all the woman also
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

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 other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

David's Lord
"And Jesus answered and said, as He taught in the temple, How say the scribes that the Christ is the Son of David? David himself said in the Holy Spirit,-- The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, Till I make Thine enemies the footstool of Thy feet. David himself calleth Him Lord; and whence is He his son? And the common people heard Him gladly. And in His teaching He said, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and to have salutations in the marketplaces, and chief
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Widow's Mite
"And He sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they which are casting into the treasury; for they all did cast in of their superfluity; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." MARK
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Talks with Bohler
I asked P. Bohler again whether I ought not to refrain from teaching others. He said, "No; do not hide in the earth the talent God hath given you." Accordingly, on Tuesday, 25, I spoke clearly and fully at Blendon to Mr. Delamotte's family of the nature and fruits of faith. Mr. Broughton and my brother were there. Mr. Broughton's great objection was he could never think that I had not faith, who had done and suffered such things. My brother was very angry and told me I did not know what mischief
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Room was Like and Oven
Sunday, 8.--We were at the minster [21] in the morning and at our parish church in the afternoon. The same gentleman preached at both; but though I saw him at the church, I did not know I had ever seen him before. In the morning he was all life and motion; in the afternoon he was as quiet as a post. At five in the evening, the rain constrained me to preach in the oven again. The patience of the congregation surprised me. They seemed not to feel the extreme heat or to be offended at the close application
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Morality of the Gospel.
Is stating the morality of the Gospel as an argument of its truth, I am willing to admit two points; first, that the teaching of morality was not the primary design of the mission; secondly, that morality, neither in the Gospel, nor in any other book, can be a subject, properly speaking, of discovery. If I were to describe in a very few words the scope of Christianity as a revelation, [49] I should say that it was to influence the conduct of human life, by establishing the proof of a future state
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Prophecy.
PROPHECY. Isaiah iii. 13; liii. "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: so shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision C. Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. ^A Matt. XXI. 33-46; ^B Mark XII. 1-12; ^C Luke XX. 9-19. ^b 1 And he began to speak unto them ^c the people [not the rulers] ^b in parables. { ^c this parable:} ^a 33 Hear another parable: There was a man that was a householder [this party represents God], who planted a vineyard [this represents the Hebrew nationality], and set a hedge about it, and digged a ^b pit for the ^a winepress in it
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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