What does "not far from the kingdom of God" mean for believers today? Setting the Scene Mark 12 unfolds in Jerusalem during Jesus’ final week. Religious leaders keep testing Him, and a scribe—genuinely intrigued—asks, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” (v. 28). Jesus answers with the Shema and the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (vv. 29-31). The scribe agrees, affirming that wholehearted love for God and neighbor “is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Then: “ ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God,’ Jesus replied to him.” (Mark 12:34) What Jesus Saw in the Scribe • Sincere recognition of Scripture’s supreme commands • Intellectual agreement with Jesus’ teaching • Moral sensitivity that valued love over ritual The man had taken critical steps toward God’s reign, yet something was still missing. Why “Not Far” Is Still Outside • Nearness is not entry. “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) • Intellectual assent is not saving faith. “Even the demons believe—and shudder.” (James 2:19) • Good priorities cannot substitute for personal surrender. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) Implications for Believers Today • Religious knowledge, church activity, and moral admiration of Jesus can bring a person close, yet still outside saving grace. • Evaluating ourselves by outward comparisons (“I know the Bible,” “I volunteer”) may hide our need for repentance and faith. • Jesus lovingly points out proximity so that we will step fully into His rule. Drawing Nearer to the Kingdom Here are concrete moves from “near” to “inside”: 1. Embrace Jesus as King – Acknowledge His authority (Matthew 28:18). – Yield daily decisions to His Word (John 14:15). 2. Trust His finished work – Rely on the cross, not personal merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). – Rest in His resurrection life (1 Peter 1:3). 3. Receive heart transformation – Ask the Spirit to write God’s law within (Hebrews 10:16). – Cultivate love for God and neighbor in practical ways (1 John 4:7-12). Living Not Far but Inside • Kingdom citizens bear fruit that proximity never produces—peace, joy, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). • They persevere, because they are indwelt, not merely impressed (Philippians 2:13). • Their love of God flows outward in sacrificial service, echoing the scribe’s insight yet empowered by grace (Galatians 5:13-14). Takeaways • Nearness to truth is a gracious warning sign; don’t settle there. • Full entry comes through repentance and faith in Christ alone. • Once inside, cultivate the same love Jesus praised—now energized by the Spirit—for a life that displays the kingdom of God to the world. |
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