Conclusion Of They Fail To Entrap Jesus

Again the crowds are astounded by Jesus' answer. Even some of the scribes acknowledge: ' Teacher, you spoke well."

When the Pharisees see that Jesus has silenced the Sadducees, they come to him in one group. To test him further, one scribe among them asks: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replies: "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.' The second is this, 'You must love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." In fact, Jesus adds: "On these two commandment the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets."

"Teacher, you well said in line with truth," the scribe agrees. "He is One, and there is no other than He;' and this loving him with one's whole heart and with one's whole understanding and with one's whole strength and this loving one's neighbor as oneself is worth far more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Discerning that the scribe has answered intelligently, Jesus tells him: "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." For three days now-Sunday, Monday and Tuesday-Jesus has been teaching in the temple. The people have listened to him with pleasure, yet the religious leaders want to kill him, but so far their attempts have been frustrated. Matthew 22:15-40; Mark 12:13-34; Luke 20:20-40.

Next time: Jesus Denounces His Opposers

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991