Gotcha Questions

Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 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.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:29-31 (NRSV) 

In Mark’s Gospel, a scribe poses a question to Jesus: “What commandment is the first of all?” The religious authorities think they can trip Jesus up, or make a fool of him. Like journalists interviewing politicians, they hope his answer will show some weakness. Yet Jesus is clear: love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor has yourself.  

We have been living through a season of “gotcha” questions and trap-laying advertisements. Does anyone want mutual understanding or clarity? Recently, I saw a screenshot of a post from the website previously known as Twitter, in which someone argued that “neighbor” means the people who are related to or who are most like you. The Gospel of Mark doesn’t include a story like the Good Samaritan to tell us what a neighbor is. Instead in Mark, Jesus talks with people on the margins, heals their diseases, and hears their heartfelt cries for help. His life defines the neighbors we are to love. 

Let me be real. That call to love neighbor can be very uncomfortable. I’m not excited to greet all the canvassers who come to my front door. Still, I’m clear that my voting guide must be informed by my faith.  

My faith requires me to love my neighbors.  

Prayer
Holy One, help us to recognize our neighbors and to love them as we love you. Amen.

About the Author
Martha Spong is a UCC pastor, a clergy coach, and editor of The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle, from The Pilgrim Press.