This particular scribe was questioning maybe even testing, Jesus regarding the greatest commandment. Jesus’ answer to his question seemed to satisfy him enough to inspire some commentary by the scrbe. Even more impressive though was the response that Jesus had to his commentary. Jesus almost sounds shocked at his grasp of things. Jesus recognized that this man had answered intelligently and was told that he was not far from the kingdom of God. It almost sounds like a compliment but at a closer glance, this is not an assessment that I would want taken of my life. Not far from the kingdom of God!! Not far means not in it. I don’t just want the right language and know the right answers. I want the right answer to have an impact on my heart. I want it to do what the author of Hebrews says about the word of God being a two edged sword that separates soul from spirit…my subjective mind, will and emotions from the objective truth. It’s a scary place to be… to know the right answers and not be far from the kingdom of God. Lord reveal truth to my heart and help me to respond with humility.

Mark 12:12-34