Read: Mark 12:28-34
. . . is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. (v. 33)
A pastor went on a month-long retreat to reflect on God’s love in his life after thirty years of ministry. After the retreat, he was picked up by a friend who shared the news that his younger brother had just been appointed to a higher position of authority among the clergy. When the pastor heard this, his face turned red, he slammed his suitcase and shouted, “How can he be the leader? He is incompetent! I would be more qualified!” His friend sighed in despair and said to himself, “That retreat was a waste of time.”
In the conversation between the scribe and Jesus about the greatest commandment, Jesus makes clear that loving God must be done with all one’s heart and soul, but at the same time, loving other people was the second most important thing. The scribe then asserted that love of God and neighbor was more important than the ritual of burnt offerings. Jesus responded with praise, saying that the scribe was not far from the kingdom of God.
It’s easy for us to talk about love in worship services, sermons, and other church activities. But what is the point of love if it’s limited to rituals? To say that love is more important than rituals does not mean that we undervalue worship, but that love should not stop at the ritual of worship. This means that we must always interpret love as a form of our devotion to God. If not, then our worship is in vain.
As you pray, ask God to empower you to express love for God and others.
Daniel Kristanto Gunawanis a pastor of Coyudan Indonesian Christian Church in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia. This devotional was previously published in Wasiat, a bi-monthly daily devotional for families, produced by Words of Hope ministry partners in Indonesia. Learn more about Words of Hope's work in Indonesia.
