Mark chapter 12 verse 34 (NIV)
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
This verse took me down a similar theme to that of the day before yesterday. This verse is the end of an encounter that Jesus had with one of the teachers of the law. From verse 13 of this chapter Jesus had been approached by Pharisees, Herodians and Sadducees who had all in their own way tried to catch Jesus out and tried to get Him to endorse their own beliefs. Therefore, it would have been understandable to think that this teacher of the law would be out to do the same thing. The man had overheard Jesus’ responses and was genuinely asking Jesus to expound on the most important commandment. In turn, Jesus’ final words to the man indicate that He recognises the man’s genuine search for truth.
It reminds me not to tar all the religious leaders of Jesus’ time with the same brush. There will have been many, including Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah, in the same way that tax collectors like Matthew and Zaccheus could also turn to the truth, in spite of the reputation that people of that occupation had.
We need to sensitive when people ask us about our faith and be wise enough to discern how to respond. Jesus knew when people were trying to catch Him out and when others were genuinely seeking. We need to be aware of the Holy Spirit’s leading so that our words will make a difference whether people are trying to catch us out, or whether they are genuinely keen to explore our faith.
Dear Lord,
I ask for wisdom and discernment when responding to matters relating to my faith. May I be gracious but unwavering and in tune with the Holy Spirit’s leading. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.