Scripture Study for
Deuteronomy 6:2–6 / Psalm 18:2 / Hebrews 7:23–28 / Mark 12:28b–34
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Understanding the Word
By Br. John R. Barker, OFM
This passage from Deuteronomy ends with the famous Shema (“Hear!”), in which Moses exhorts the people to loyalty to God alone. In the context of the covenant relationship, to “love” means this fidelity, as expressed in obedience to God’s will in the commandments. Relationship with God leads to happiness and a good life. This “love” of God, however, should not be construed in a legalistic sense, in which the commandments are simply obeyed. Rather, what God wants is wholehearted, single-minded, and total commitment—not to the commandments, but to God. Just as God has been completely committed to Israel, so Israel is called to be completely committed to God. The focus here is not on laws, but on relationship.
The author of Hebrews has been expanding on the identity of Jesus as the eternal High Priest, who replaces the older system of Aaronic (or levitical) high priests. These priests “were many” for the obvious reason that they grew old and died. But because Jesus lives forever, he is able to fulfill this office perpetually, always there to intercede for the believer. The quality of his intercession also cannot be diminished: he is not a sinner who needs to offer sacrifice for himself. Nevertheless, he has offered one perfect sacrifice of himself for those who do need it. He is thus the perpetual and perfect High Priest and intercessor for humanity.
We know from many sources that the question of how to sum up the Law, the “greatest commandment,” was widely discussed in Jewish circles in the first century. In response to the scribe’s question today, Jesus gives what would have been a well-accepted response, combining two commandments into one, indicating that it is impossible to observe one without the other. The scribe develops what Jesus says, adding that love of God is more important that even animal sacrifices to God. Loving God is the highest priority; one cannot substitute animal sacrifices or other religious behaviors (such as fasting or ritual washing). These are less than worthless if one does not love God and neighbor.