How you can know when “close enough” is still too far from God

By Dean Collins

Is not far close enough?

It depends, I guess. If you are tossing horseshoes or playing corn hole, close can get you some points, but it won’t necessarily get you a win. If you are traveling with children you know that being close to the destination but not there can only escalate the number of times you hear, “Are we there yet?”

Close can build anticipation, but it also can ultimately lead to dissolution or dissatisfaction and even a sense of failure. But it doesn’t have to end that way. Close might mean the very next step or next decision brings victory and success.

When it comes to following Jesus, proximity may or may not lead to a satisfying relationship with God. Many near to Jesus during his time on earth were close only to argue or attack. Others hung around out of curiosity or even for a handout of bread, wine, or to see a miracle. But some were close because they chose to follow and become a part of the Kingdom of God.

Not far from the Kingdom of God

In Mark chapter 12 we learn of a scribe Jesus described as not far from the Kingdom of God. This is an astonishing statement. All through Mark it was the scribes who, along with the Pharisees, were challenging and questioning Jesus. Some scribes were Pharisees and some were not. Scribes were legal experts of Old Testament law. They knew all the details. They could read and write at the highest level. They were meticulous at transcription and also drafted legal documents. And they were ultimately front and center in bringing the charges against Jesus that led to his crucifixion.

On this particular day in the final week of Jesus’ life on earth, the scribes and Pharisees, along with the Sadducees, had been watching Jesus closely to find a way to trap and ultimately convict him. They were upset at the Parable of the Tenants because they suspected Jesus was exposing them and their motives. They tried to catch Jesus not paying taxes to Caesar, but his response shut them down easily.

The Sadducees stirred up the crowd by asking Jesus about the resurrection. And while the Sadducees and Pharisees were arguing about the resurrection, one scribe dared to ask another question. It would become the final question of the day and some say the final question Jesus would be asked before his mock trial. It was a reasonable question. But it was also the kind of question that can annoy a teacher. It was like a student asking the professor, “What do I need to study to pass the test?”

The question was, “Which commandment is the most important of them all?”

The unasked question

Jesus obviously knew the answer. It had been clearly stated, documented by a scribe, and known to every Jewish person for centuries. It was known as Shema and was basically the Jewish confession of faith. “The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” It was a statement of allegiance to God that declared the power and sovereignty of God. It was quoted and to be acted on by every faithful Jewish believer.

Jesus gave the correct answer and then answered an unasked question: “The second is this,” he said. “‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no other commandment greater than these.” The lone, bold scribe stayed in the conversation and confirmed the answer of Jesus. This is an astonishing moment when you think about it. The determination to catch Jesus and to kill Jesus was growing. Jesus was not seen as sent from God in the minds of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and especially the scribes. But this one guy leaned toward Jesus by agreeing with Jesus and doing so out loud.

“You are right, Teacher,” the scribe responded. “You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

The truth exposed

What courage to state this in the heat of the moment. Jesus told this one scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” This interaction quickly silenced the crowd. No one knew what to say or do in this holy moment. In this exchange God’s truth had suddenly been exposed to the opposition.

Sadly, we don’t know what happened to this scribe. Did he pull back from the other scribes and their determination? Did he eventually become a disciple maybe with the crowd of Jewish believers on Pentecost? Or did he stay close for a moment but fail to let the seed of the gospel that would eventually produce fruit find fertile soil in his heart?

One thing we do know as we look at the whole counsel of God. Close is only good if it eventually translates to action and obedience. But even in this exchange we learn that obedience is about loving your neighbors. Loving the Bible isn’t good enough. Loving the Bible and failing to love your neighbors is idolatry and actually isn’t close at all to the Kingdom of God.

It’s good to ask questions about God and truth and Scripture. It’s good to question God and Jesus in our prayers. Our questions may bring us close. But only our love of God and love of neighbors will bring us into the Kingdom where we join hands with Jesus and extend his reign everywhere to everyone.

Your time with God’s Word
Mark‬ ‭12:28-34‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash