And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 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, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Comment: I wonder what happened to this scribe? Where was he in the crowd which in a couple of days were calling out ‘Crucify Him, Crucify Him’? The scribe reacts to yesterday’s answer to his question as if he likes the answer. He even goes further and shows that he has a significant understanding of why the sacrificial system was in place. And yet Jesus says ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.‘ Beyond the steps of knowing and understanding there is the requirement of commitment. Was Jesus saying ‘Are you prepared to trust in Me’? I think so.
Prayer: I believe, O Lord. Help any shreds of doubt to fade – dispel my unbelief, I pray.
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your comments on this passage. Jesus knew this Scribe was right “up there” with his understanding of what Jesus was speaking about. And yes, I believe that commitment was the next step for him to take to move into the Kingdom of God. God bless you.
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