Christ’s New Commandment

Mark 12:28-34; John 13:34, 35; 15:10-14

GOLDEN TEXT: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”—John 13:34

THE scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day were not, as a class, sympathetic to the teachings of the Master. Their questions were almost always asked for the purpose of embarrassing Him; and seldom did His clear-cut and reasonable answers impress them favorably. Usually their failure to accomplish their purpose in plying the Master with questions left them more embittered against Him than ever.

In the case of today’s lesson, a scribe asked Jesus an important question; and, judging from his attitude when hearing the answer, was favorably impressed. He acknowledged that Jesus had told the truth. Jesus was pleased by this evidence of humility on the part of the inquiring scribe, and replied to him, “Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God.”—Mark 12:34

Evidently there were some among the scribes and Pharisees who were not such calloused hypocrites as were the majority. This indicates that it would be wrong always to judge individuals by the company they keep. Often, by force of circumstances, persons find themselves in associations with which they are not fully in harmony, but from which it is difficult to disassociate themselves until the way of separation is clearly pointed out to them. The scribe of this lesson is a notable example in this respect. He was not far from the Kingdom of God, as Jesus pointed out, because he displayed a teachable attitude, a willingness to heed the truth when he heard it. If he continued in that favorable attitude, undoubtedly later on he found no satisfaction in continuing his association with such undesirable and God-disowned compatriots and became a sincere follower of the Master.

The spirit of meekness—teachableness—is paramount in those who desire to be taught of the Lord. It is one of the prime essentials to the enjoyment of true spiritual vision. The scribe was blessed with discernment. He could see that if one loved God supremely, with his whole heart and soul and strength, and loved his neighbor as himself, the matter of formal devotions represented in burnt offerings and sacrifices automatically would be taken care of.

Supreme love for God would lead one to offer a sacrifice to Him if He indicated this to be His will. That was true of God’s servants in the Jewish age, and it is true now. Supreme love for God today will lead His people to offer sacrifice, just as in the past. However, not the sacrifice of animals, for this is not God’s will for the followers of Jesus. It is God’s will now that the followers of Jesus present their own bodies in sacrifice, with the assurance that such an offering will be holy and acceptable unto God—made so, of course, by the blood of Christ.—Romans 12:1,2

It is difficult for many, even professed Christians, to discern the privilege of sacrifice. So many seem satisfied with an effort simply to be righteous, or holy. This is very good so far as it goes, but consecration to holy living is not the end of God’s will for those who follow in the footsteps of the Master. The call of this age is a call to sacrifice.

Jesus was righteous, holy, even as a child, and He continued to be so. But it was not His righteousness alone that redeemed the world. It was the sacrifice of His perfect human life which did this, and we are invited to die sacrificially with Him; not to help redeem the world, but, nevertheless, to share in His sacrifice, that later we may share with Him in the privilege of dispensing the blessings of life to a dying world.

In today’s lesson, Jesus calls attention to this honored privilege of the saints during the Gospel age by giving them a new commandment which called for sacrifice. Supreme love for God was now to take on a depth of meaning not hitherto attached to it.

This constitutes a real test of our devotion to God. Only a few in Jesus’ day were able to pass the test; and in the entire Gospel age only a “little flock” qualify for joint-heirship on this basis. (Rom. 8:17; Luke 12:32) For centuries the Jewish viewpoint had largely concerned itself with what they could obtain from God by obedience to the Law. It is difficult to rise above this viewpoint, and even today only the few view the Christian life from other than that of self-interest.

Supreme love for God, and full obedience to Christ’s new commandment of love will lead us to follow closely in the footsteps of Jesus. Such love, operating in our hearts and lives, will change us snore and more into the image of the Master, and thus will we be made ready to share in the glory of His Kingdom.

QUESTIONS:

Why did Jesus say of the scribe of today’s lesson that he was not far from the Kingdom of God?

Does supreme love for God lead to sacrifice?

Is consecration to holy living all there is to the Christian life?

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