When Jesus answers the scribe, He uses the second person singular form of the verbs: “You shall love..” Jesus is telling this individual what he should do. In this way it is not a dissimilar encounter with the earlier episode of the rich young man who asks what he must do to inherit the Kingdom (Mark 10:17-22). Although the man goes away sad, he clearly understood that this was an answer to what he, personally, must do. When the scribe responds and virtually repeats what Jesus had said he makes it impersonal. He doesn’t say, “You’re right! I should love ….” It is as though the initial question was somewhat “academic” as opposed to personal; an intellectual exercise for the scribe as opposed to seeking a guide to this life and the Kingdom to come. Even Jesus notes that the scribe has answered “with understanding” perhaps acknowledging the goodness of the answer.

But then Jesus adds: “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”  This is a bit ambiguous and was likely intended to provoke reflection on the part of the scribe. The scribe’s searching and humility before God are a start. His enthusiastic approval of Jesus’ teaching revealed an attraction toward the one through whom God had brought the Kingdom near. But the encounter is not a rabbinic discussion about the heart of the Mosaic Law, but a proclamation of the demands of the messianic Kingdom. I wonder if this is Jesus’ encouragement to the scribe to move from “academic” to action.

Jesus’ response acknowledges that the scribe has grasped a profound truth about the essence of God’s commandments. By recognizing that love for God and neighbor is more important than external religious rituals, the scribe shows an understanding of the deeper moral and spiritual requirements of God’s kingdom. This insight brings him close to entering the kingdom. Yet he has not yet fully committed to Jesus or embraced Him as the Messiah. Jesus’ remark may imply that the final step into the kingdom involves recognizing Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of the Law.

Jesus’ statement might also suggest that while the scribe is close in terms of understanding, he still needs the transformation of heart and faith in Jesus that is necessary to enter the kingdom. These words might be as simple as an invitation for the man to take the final steps toward the kingdom. It is a gentle encouragement, indicating that the scribe is on the right path but still needs to make a decision of faith to fully enter into God’s reign.

Image credit: The Pharisees and the Sadducees Come to Tempt Jesus | James Tissot | Brooklyn Museum, PD-US