The Gospel of Mark
Jesus and the Scribe: Mk 12,28-34
This encounter between Jesus and the scribe occurs in all three Synoptic Gospels but in different ways.
Luke typically goes his own way: the incident occurs much earlier in the Gospel (Lk 10,25-37) where it becomes the lead-in to the parable of the Good Samaritan.
For Matthew (Mt 22,34-44), this episode is a continuation of the confrontations with the Jewish leaders.
This comparison with the other Gospels highlights how Mark's account is distinctive and important. For Mark, this scene is the quest of the honest seeker. This is filled out by verses which are special to Mark: the whole of the Deuteronomy quotation in verse 29 and especially the scribe's detailed response to Jesus in verse 32-33.
Verse 28 sets the scene with the link to the earlier episodes. The scribe has heard the earlier disputations and knew that Jesus had answered well. He remains open minded by asking a traditional question which was much debated: which was the first commandment?
In reply, 12,29-30, Jesus begins by quoting "Shema Israel", Hear O Israel (Dt 6,4-5). Jews say this prayer every day so Jesus is anchoring himself firmly within Jewish tradition.
The second commandment given by Jesus is the conclusion of a longer passage about the treatment of the neighbour in the book of Leviticus (19,18)
Verses 32-33 are the surprise of this episode. In this highly confrontational chapter 12, we suddenly find Jesus receiving a serious and friendly reply.
And in true debate style, the scribe takes a further step in verse 33: "worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." I've given quotations from 1st Samuel (15,22) and Hosea (6,6) but many others could be added because this is a fundamental theme of the prophets.
Jesus' response shows that at least one scribe in Israel has the openness to be close to the kingdom of heaven and to recognise its presence in the life and teaching of Jesus.
That said, no one dared ask Jesus any more questions (verse 34): Jesus has vindicated himself in every encounter. His opponents will now have to wait until they have him in their power.
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