SUMMARY
A scribeA scribe is a person paid to write books or documents by hand. In Jesus' time, scribes were credentialed interpreters of Jewish law. Scribes in the New Testament, along with the elders and chief priests, are among Jesus' most committed opponents, although on one occasion... asks JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. the first honest question since his arrival in Jerusalem; together they summarize the heart of the commandments.
ANALYSIS
After all of his opponents have come forward with questions to trap him, Jesus encounters an honest questioner. In response to his question, Jesus puts aside his trickster ways and gives a traditional answer to the question of the greatest commandment. His answer corresponds to the shema, a prayer derived from Deuteronomy 6:24-25 in which observant Jews confess their allegiance to God and God only. Jesus goes further to add a second commandment, based on love for neighbor. This juxtaposition of love for God and love for neighbor is often seen as corresponding to the heart of the Ten Commandments which MosesProphet who led Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land and received the law at Sinai. received from God on Mount Sinai and which form the basis of all of Jewish law.
The scribe who asked the question agrees with Jesus’ formulation and adds an expansion that resonates with Jesus’ teaching as well. Drawing on the prophet AmosProphet to the northern kingdom who condemned Israel's oppression of the poor, calling for justice to "roll down like waters.", the scribe elevates love for God and love for neighbor above sacrifices and burnt offerings (Amos 5:21-24). This interpretation meshes with Jesus’ actions in the TempleThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged... and it is no wonder that Jesus sees his reply as wise (12:34). Jesus approves his response, but with a qualification; the scribe is “not far” from the kingdom of GodThe kingdom (reign) of God is a central theme of Jesus' teaching and parables. According to Jesus this reign of God is a present reality and at the same time is yet to come. When Christians pray the Lord's Prayer, they ask that God's kingdom.... The sticking point is Jesus himself; though the scribe has his legal priorities in order, he has not yet taken up his cross to follow Jesus.
