The Great Commandment (Mark 12:28–34) — A Sermon by R.C. Sproul

Summary

In this sermon, the essence of faith is explored through Jesus' teachings in Mark 12:28-34, focusing on the greatest commandment: to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. This love extends to loving one's neighbor, highlighting the relational aspect of faith. The sermon emphasizes that true love for God should be rooted in understanding His nature rather than merely seeking His gifts. Additionally, the connection to the Last Supper serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus' sacrifice, inviting believers to remember and live out this profound love in their daily lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Shema is a central prayer in Judaism that commands love for God with heart, soul, and strength.
• 😀 The Shema is recited twice a day to serve as a reminder to love God in all aspects of life.
• 😀 The Shema's primary command is to prioritize love for God above all else, marking it as a foundational Jewish principle.
• 😀 The Shema is often recited with physical gestures, such as the hand over the eyes, to aid in focus and remembrance.
• 😀 Jesus referred to the Shema in His teachings, but He also added the command to love one's neighbor as oneself, emphasizing the importance of relationships with others.
• 😀 The concept of ‘the body’ in the Shema extends beyond personal devotion to include the love for others, which Jesus emphasized in His teachings.
• 😀 Jesus' approach to the Shema’s command was unique because He linked it to loving others, showing that love for God and love for others are interconnected.
• 😀 Jesus' message in the Last Supper focused on remembering His sacrifice, symbolized by the bread and wine as His body and blood.
• 😀 During the Last Supper, Jesus redefined the Passover meal by offering the bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.
• 😀 Jesus instructed His followers to partake in the bread and wine regularly, proclaiming His death and anticipating His return.

Q & A

What event is the speaker discussing?

The speaker is discussing the Last Supper, where Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples.

How did Jesus change the traditional Passover liturgy?

Jesus changed the liturgy by identifying the bread as His body, given for the disciples, and the cup as His blood, establishing a New Testament.

What does Jesus' declaration about the bread and cup signify?

It signifies the establishment of a new covenant and the importance of His sacrifice for the remission of sins.

What is the significance of remembering Jesus' sacrifice?

Remembering Jesus' sacrifice serves as a way to proclaim His death and reaffirm faith in His resurrection until His return.

What does the speaker urge listeners to do during communion?

The speaker urges listeners to come together at Jesus' Table to reflect on His body and blood.

What phrase does the speaker use to emphasize the importance of the message?

The speaker emphasizes, 'Show it forth until I come,' indicating the ongoing importance of remembering Jesus' sacrifice.

How does the speaker relate Jesus' message to the Shema?

The speaker relates Jesus' message to the Shema by highlighting the importance of not forgetting the significance of the cross.

What does the act of communion represent in the Christian faith?

The act of communion represents a spiritual connection with Jesus and a communal acknowledgment of His sacrifice.

Why is the Last Supper considered a pivotal moment in Christian tradition?

The Last Supper is pivotal because it marks the institution of the Eucharist and foreshadows Jesus' impending crucifixion.

What is the overall message the speaker is conveying?

The overall message is a call to remember and honor Jesus' sacrifice through the practice of communion and the significance of His teachings.