Paddling Into the BombSample

Setting Your Line

Focus verses: Mark 12:28–34

In these chapters, Jesus leaves no doubt about who He claims to be, and the intensity builds as He nails His colours to the mast. Of course, He’s still misunderstood, but He has reached the venue for the end game, where He will face His greatest battle.

The record of Jesus’ words and actions are not just a random collection of events, but a deliberate program of teaching and example for His disciples, both then and now (that’s you and me).

So these chapters could be regarded as His final lessons for us before fulfilling His purpose. That suggests a level of urgency and importance.

As Bob Dylan wrote in one of his songs, “You’re going to have to serve somebody.” If you want to get barreled, you have to decide where you’re going – you have to set your line. There’s no head dips in Jesus’ life. It’s big barrels or nothing.

Jesus makes that obvious when He clears the temple in chapter 11. In response, and for the first time, the ruling establishment begins to plot His death. The big picture of the Old Testament, and its fulfilment, are now coming to a head, and the battle of good against evil is very much visible.

Like the plot of a really good movie, things get worse before they get better. But unlike most movie scripts, this is the real thing!

In the midst of all the struggles, the complications, and the tension, Jesus provides a message to all those who will listen – a simple, clear battle cry that cuts through the noise of the spiritual war.

He shows His priority – and ours, as His followers – so clearly in chapter 12:31–32: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength… and, love your neighbour as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.”

This is His call to the authorities who opposed Him, to the disciples who followed Him, to the people who adored Him, and to the people who ignored Him. It’s His call to you and me today. So make your decision, set your line, and send it!

Pray and act

Have you been hesitating to go deeper in your faith journey? What’s holding you back? What’s one step you can take today to break that hesitation?

Pray: Thank you, Lord, that as things get more serious and complicated, and as the enemy plots my demise, your simple command is powerful and liberating. Help me love God and love others with all my heart.