Reading the Old Testament Like Jesus

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 12:28-37.

The motive of the scribe who comes to question Jesus is less important than the question itself. “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus’ answer ties together love for God and love for neighbor. The scribe responds positively. He recognizes the truth that Jesus has preached previously concerning the role of faith and mercy in the proper use of sacrifices. Jesus tells the scribe that he is not far from the kingdom of God, challenging him to continue listening for that key that he is missing. That key that is needed is the faith that Jesus is the One who perfectly fulfills the love for God and the love for neighbor. The entire Old Testament testifies to Jesus, who is not only David’s son, but David’s Lord.

“The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground running with the very first verse of his Gospel account, and he never lets up the pace. As one deed of Jesus comes right after another, always paired with His authoritative Word, St. Mark proclaims the good news that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, revealed conclusively by His death on the cross.