TWO KEYS TO UNLOCKING ANY RELATIONSHIP

There are two keys to unlocking every closed door in your relationships. They are two commands that God has given us that are often overlooked but can drastically change your life. They are so simple yet so profound; they have the power to change everything about us: our hearts, our minds, our relationships, our entire lives. What are they? 

Welcome back! This is Part 9 of our 13-part series; we are nearing its conclusion.

We are studying the Book of Mark. Here, we look at Mark 11 and 12.

Jesus is now on his way to Jerusalem. As he travels, he explains his mission. Through their travel, Jesus’ disciples learn the two most important commandments that will later dramatically change their lives and can change ours.

Join us on this journey as we learn what they are and how they can influence your life in a positive way.

But, before we begin, as always, let’s invite God’s Presence.

Inviting God’s Presence.

Holy Father, you have said in your word, great peace have they that love your law and nothing shall offend them. Teach us the value of loving your law so that we may learn to live in peace with you and one another. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

The Book of Mark

(Lesson 9)

Jerusalem Controversies

Part 1 Introduction

Imagine you’re holding onto a problem that’s weighing you down.

When you let it go, the weight lift, and you experience peace.

That’s what forgiveness does for us.

Jesus taught us the power of forgiveness when He said,

“ ‘And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses’ ” (Mark 11:25, NKJV).  

This simple act of forgiving others can change everything in your life.

But how do you forgive those who have hurt you so badly?

The answer is found in two commandments. So, stay with us.

Jesus, live them.

Jesus often had disagreements or controversies with the religious leaders of His day. 

In fact, in Lesson 3, when we studied Mark, chapters 2 and 3, we saw five times where Jesus clashed with these leaders.

They argued with Him, trying to challenge His authority and teachings.

 But Jesus always stood firm in the truth, and he did not harm his opposers. (Spipt)

To learn more about these controversies and how Jesus handled his adversaries, read Mark 2 and 3 and review Lesson 3 @ Sabbathschooldaily.com

In this lesson, we examine Mark 11 and 12. We see Jesus entering Jerusalem, where he faces six more disagreements with these religious leaders.

Mark records five conflicts between Jesus and these religious leaders in Mark 1 and 2.

Coupled with the disagreements with these religious leaders in Marks 11 and 12 makes two sets of controversies.

They are like bookends of Jesus’s mission on earth.

Each set of controversies deals with important issues.

So, even these controversial situations are helpful guides and fundamental issues of faith and practical issues in life.

These religious leaders tried to confront, confuse, and defeat Jesus, but they never succeeded.

In Mark 11, Jesus goes to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover feast.

The Passover feast is observed between the end of March and the beginning of April. 

The first ten chapters of Mark cover about 3½ years of Jesus’ life, while the last six chapters focus on just a little more than a week.

Mark devotes more attention to these final weeks to show their importance.

But why did the leaders fight against Jesus?

It wasn’t just about the laws; it was about the feelings and ideas in their hearts that separated them from God.

They were so focused on their own ways that they couldn’t see the truth right in front of them.

Jesus’ mode of travel was on foot. He and his disciples traveled to the various villages and towns in the region by foot.

In other words, Jesus walked everywhere he went, including Jerusalem.

 Mark 11:1-11 describes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

It was most shocking. How did he enter Jerusalem? How did the people respond and what did it all mean? Read Mark 11:1–11 and Zechariah 9:9, 10

Then Continue to Part 2: Triumphal Entry

The Book of Mark

(Lesson 9)

Jerusalem Controversies

Part 2: Triumphal Entry

Something happens!

It was something the people had been waiting for a long time.

The crowd is filled with excitement, knowing that what they are about to see is not just an ordinary event.

This was the day Jesus, the promised King, entered Jerusalem in a way that everyone knew was extraordinary.

In the first half of Mark 11:1-11, we read about Jesus asking two of His followers to go to a nearby village to get a donkey for Him.

 It might seem like a minor task, but for some reason, Mark spends a significant amount of time on this account.

Why did he spend so much time discussing the disciples acquiring a donkey?

Two reasons!

First, Jesus’ instructions on obtaining the donkey were evidence of his prophetic powers.

Mark 11:1-6

1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; 

2 and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. 

3 And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.” 

4 So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. 

5 But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” 

6 And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go. (Mark 10:1-6)

This highlighted Jesus’ special connection with God and made His arrival in Jerusalem even more spectacular, showing that it was all part of God’s divine plan.

Second, the description of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in Mark 11:7-11 links to Zechariah 9:9 and 10, which speaks of the king riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.

7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it.

8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’

10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:7-11) 

It is a reminder of when Solomon, in 1 Kings 1:32–48, entered Jerusalem on a donkey, and Adonijah, his brother, tried to steal the throne for himself. But David commanded the people to immediately crown his son Solomon as King.

“Five hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Zechariah thus foretold the coming of the King to Israel. This prophecy is now to be fulfilled. He who has so long refused royal honors now comes to Jerusalem as the promised heir to David’s throne.” The Desire of Ages, p. 569.

Jerusalem was a city built in a hilly region with an elevation of 2,400.

At the time of Jesus, it had a population of about 40,000 to 50,000 people.

During Passover, however, the city swelled in population, with far more people there for the celebration.

The city was very small, consisting of only about 250 acres, but it was home to the temple, the most important place in Jerusalem.

The Temple Mount, the elevated area of the city, is central to people’s lives. It covered about 37 acres.

Jesus entered Jerusalem from the east, coming down from the Mount of Olives.

He entered through the Golden Gate (a gate now bricked shut) and made His way up to the temple.

Recognizing the significance of this symbolic act, the crowd was excited!

They followed Him, shouting, “Hosanna,” which at the time meant “save now,” but it has eventually come to mean “praise to God.” 

The time for keeping secrets regarding who Jesus is is over.

In his entry, Jesus was letting everyone know that He was their King.

Jesus openly entered Jerusalem, performing a symbolic royal action.

He entered the temple, but because it was late in the day, he just looked around and then left with the twelve disciples for Bethany.

Why did he do this?

Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey wasn’t just about the ride; it was about showing everyone that God’s promise was being fulfilled.

He came as a humble King, ready to bring peace and to show that God’s plan was unfolding right before their eyes.

What could have turned into a riot or revolt instead ends with Him quietly retiring. (Split)

But the next day will be different. How different, and what would be so different about it? And how does it relate to the greatest commandments? Read: Mark 11:12-26

Then, View the next segment of this video, Part 3:  A Cursed Tree and a Cleansed Temple.

The Book of Mark

(Lesson 9)

Jerusalem Controversies

Part 3: A Cursed Tree and a Cleansed Temple

One morning, as Jesus and His disciples were walking from Bethany to Jerusalem, Jesus was hungry.

Now, Bethany was only about two miles from Jerusalem—a short walk. On the way, Jesus saw a fig tree covered in leaves.

From a distance, it looked like it should have some early fruit.

Eating from the tree would not have been considered stealing because, according to Old Testament law, one could eat food from a neighbor’s field, or orchard to satisfy hunger, according to Leviticus 19:9, Leviticus 23:22, and Deuteronomy 23:25.

But when Jesus got closer, He found no fruit on the tree at all. Even though it wasn’t the season for figs, the tree was full of leaves, which generally would mean it should have had fruit, but it was all show but no material.

Mark 11:14 says in response

14 Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it. (Mark 11:14).

At first, this might seem a bit odd, especially for Jesus.

Why would Jesus talk to a tree or, for that matter, curse a tree?

But what happens next is more surprising.

Later that day, Jesus and His disciples reached Jerusalem and go to the temple. (Split)

Although the temple was expected to be a sacred place set aside for prayer and worship, when Jesus entered, He found that it had been turned into a noisy marketplace.

People were buying and selling animals right in the temple courts.

This was allowed to be so because, the top Jewish leader, Caiaphas, had allowed this to happen.

The temple, a place dedicated for worship, had been turned into a place of business.

Jesus was s not happy about this, so he cleared out the buyers and sellers.

In His rebuke, He links two Old Testament passages: Isaiah 56:7, “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7), a reminder that the temple was meant for everyone, not just the Jews, but Gentiles too.

And  Jeremiah 7:11

¹¹ Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 7:11)

Instead of being a place of peace, it had become a “den of robbers.” Of course, the temple leaders were angry with Jesus for doing this, but Jesus was determined to restore the temple to its true purpose.

At the end of this unusual day, as the day before, Jesus leaves the city with his disciples:

Mark 11:19 says:

¹⁹ When evening had come, He went out of the city. (Mark 11:19)

Now, the next morning, as Jesus and His disciples were heading back to Jerusalem, they passed by that fig tree again, as indicated in Mark 11:20-26.  

This time, the disciples, astonished, noticed that the fig tree had withered all the way down to its roots.

They were amazed at how quickly it had died.

Jesus used this as a teachable moment on prayer, faith, and forgiveness.:

Mark 11:22-26

22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.

23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:22-26)

 He explained that just as the fig tree was judged for not bearing fruit, we must also examine our own lives to ensure we are bearing good fruit—living out our faith with action, not just appearances.

The point is “Unless there is a thorough work done in us as individuals and as a church, the curse of God will as surely come upon us as it fell upon that fruitless tree”.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 613, 614.

Jesus also used the fig tree as an example of the power of prayer and the need for forgiveness, which leads to his greatest commandments.

He told His disciples that if they have faith, they can pray for anything, and it will be done. But He also reminded them that when they pray, they must forgive others so that God will forgive them, too.

These two stories form the fourth “sandwich” narrative in Mark’s Gospel. For more details, view the video for lesson 3 at SabbathSchoolDaily.com.

In these stories, Mark uses dramatized irony by showing parallel or opposite actions between characters.

Here, the fig tree and the temple are set in parallel. Jesus curses the fig tree but cleanses the temple—opposite actions. The irony lies in the fact that the religious leaders, now plotting to kill Jesus, will unknowingly bring about the end of the temple’s significance, as its services are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the one they intend to kill.

This story of the fig tree and the temple is a reminder to us all. It challenges us to look at our own lives and ask, “Am I just full of leaves, looking good on the outside but lacking real substance? Or am I bearing good fruit, living out my faith in a way that pleases God?” Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, we need to let Him cleanse our hearts, removing anything that can get in the way of our true purpose. And remember, when we pray with faith and forgive others, God will do amazing things in our lives.

It should be our aim to commit to living with purpose, bearing good fruit, and staying connected to God every day.

The religious leaders, ferocious over what Jesus has done, confront him the next day.

How does He respond? Read Mark 11:27–33

Then, Continue to the next segment of this video, Part 4: Who Said You Could Do That?

 The Book of Mark

(Lesson 9)

Jerusalem Controversies

Part 4: Who Said You Could Do That?

Jesus has been causing quite a stir among Jewish religious leaders.  

They have been trying to trap him with all kinds of questions to make him slip up in front of the people.

But Jesus sees straight through their evil schemes and, instead, turns the tables on them every time.

 Insisting on destroying Jesus’ image before the people, they come to Jesus with another challenging question.

This time, when they asked Him one of their trick questions, He asked them a challenging question. And how did they respond?

After Jesus cleansed the temple, sending out those who were buying and selling animals, the Jewish leaders were upset.

So, the next day, they see Jesus outside the temple and confront Him in the temple court. Mark in Mark 11:28 says:

“²⁸ And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?” (Mark 11:28)

But these leaders are not really interested in getting the truth.

They are trying to trap Him. So, their thought is, “If He says that his authority comes from God, they will argue that a simple carpenter from the countryside can’t have that kind of authority.

On the other hand, if He says He is doing it on His own, they could deem Him a fool and a troublemaker.

But Jesus sees right through their little trap. So, instead of giving them a direct answer, He turns the tables on them and challenges them.  Mark 11:29 and 30 says:

29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things:

30 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.” (Mark 11:29, 30) 

Right away, the leaders see that they are cornered. They recognize that Jesus has entangled them, just like they had been trying to trap Him.

31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 

32 But if we say, ‘From men’ ”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed.

³³ So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” (Mark 11:33)

Since they refused to answer, Jesus answered and said to them,

“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Mark 11:33)

But Jesus is not done teaching them a lesson. In Mark 12:1-12 He tells them a story that went like this: 

There was a man who planted a vineyard and leased it out to some vinedressers while he went on a journey to a far country.

When the time came to collect some of the fruit from the vineyard, the owner sent a servant to the vinedressers.

But the vinedresser beat the servant and sent him away with nothing.

The owner sent more servants, but the vinedresser treated each one badly, even killing some of them.

Finally, the owner decided to send His own beloved son, thinking,

“Surely they will respect my Son.”

But when the workers saw the Son, they said to themselves,

“This is the heir. If we kill Him, the vineyard will be ours!”

 So they killed the Son and threw him out of the vineyard.

Then, Jesus asks the leaders,

“What do you think the owner of the vineyard will do?”

Then He answers His own question: “He will come and destroy those workers and give the vineyard to others.”

The story Jesus shares closely mirrors the parable of the vineyard in Isaiah 5, where God brings an accusation against unfaithful Israel.

This parallel would have been immediately recognize, particularly by the religious leaders.

Everyone listening knows that Jesus is talking about the Jewish leaders.

Just like the workers in the story, the leaders were rejecting God’s messengers and would even go on to reject God’s own Son, Jesus.

And because of this, they would face God’s judgment.

They irrationally believe that by killing the son, they will inherit the vineyard.

Their twisted reasoning is astonishing, and the judgment they face they brought on themselves.

In this story, Jesus is giving the religious leaders a solemn warning about their path. 

From this perspective, His parable is a fair and loving forewarning.

They are given time to change and avoid judgment.

The good news is some repented, changed, and accepted Jesus.

But, the sad news is that just like many people today, others did not.

Rejecting the truth comes with serious consequences.

The Jewish leaders thought they could outsmart Jesus, but He showed them that God’s wisdom is far greater than human schemes.

This is a reminder for all of us to be open to God’s teachings, to hear His messengers, to aim to learn His word, to seek to be led by His Holy Spirit, and to open our hearts to accept His Son, Jesus.

When we do, we find ourselves living in the light of His greatest commandments.

These religious leaders do not give up. Their aim is to trap Jesus in something that will get him in trouble with the Roman Government or the people in general. What do they do next? Read Mark 12:13-27

Then, continue to the next segment of this video: Part 5:  Earthly Duties and Heavenly Outcomes.

The Book of Mark

(Lesson 9)

Jerusalem Controversies

Part 5: Earthly Duties and Heavenly Outcomes

The Jewish leaders are determined to trap Jesus, but full of wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus turns their traps into powerful lessons.

How does He handle their tricky questions, and what lesson is there for us?

This time, they decide to ask Jesus a question about paying taxes, hoping to catch Him in a mistake that would get Him into trouble with the Roman governor or make the people turn against Him.

14 When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

15 Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?”  (Mark 12:14-15)

This is a trick question because if Jesus said “yes,” the people might get angry since they didn’t like paying taxes to the Romans.

But if He said “no,” it could be taken as a rebellion against the Roman government, a serious offense.

The Roman authorities could arrest Him for encouraging people to break the law.

But Jesus sees right through their evil scheme.

Instead of falling into their trap, He uses it as a teachable moment.

15 But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.”

16 So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”

17 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him. (Mark 12:15-17)

Jesus gives them an answer that amazes everyone:

“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

With this simple yet powerful response, Jesus avoids their trap and teaches a valuable lesson.

He reminds the people that while they have a responsibility to pay taxes and respect their government, their first and greatest responsibility is to God.

“He declared that since they were living under the protection of the Roman power, they should render to that power the support it claimed, so long as this did not conflict with a higher duty. But while peaceably subject to the laws of the land, they should at all times give their first allegiance to God.”—Ellen. G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 602.

The Jewish leaders are stunned by Jesus’ wisdom, but they do not give up.

Soon after, a group called the Sadducees, who didn’t believe in the resurrection, tries to trick Jesus with another question.

They tell Him a story about seven brothers who all married the same woman, one after the other after each brother died.

According to the law of Moses, if a man died without having any sons, his brother was supposed to marry the widow and have children in his brother’s name.

The Sadducees ask Jesus,

23 Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.” (Mark 12:23)

You see, The Sadducees were a priestly group that recognized only the five books of Moses as Scripture.

They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.

Therefore, the situation they presented to Jesus was most likely hypothetical.

It involves seven brothers and one woman.

According to the law of Moses, if a man died without leaving any sons, his brother was to marry the widow to ensure the family line continued.

Any children born from this union would be legally considered the offspring of the deceased man according to Deuteronomy 25:5–10.

So, once again, Jesus answers with wisdom.

 24 Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?

25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. (Mark 12: 24-25)

 Then, Jesus confirms the truth of the resurrection. He reminds them of the story of Moses and the burning bush.  

26 But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?

27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.” Mark 12:26, 27)

Seeking to discredit the doctrine of the resurrection, the Sadducees point to a moral dilemma of whose wife the woman would be in the resurrection. Jesus counters their argument in two steps, referring to the Scriptures and to the power of God.

First, He describes the power of God in the resurrection and indicates that there will not be marriage in heaven.

Then He defends the doctrine of the resurrection by appealing to Exodus 3:1–22, where God indicates that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Here, Jesus implies that there is a resurrection.

His point is that the dead cannot remain dead if God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are, for now, still dead.

Through these encounters, Jesus not only avoids the traps set for Him but also reveals deep truths about our responsibilities to both earthly and heavenly authorities and the hope of the resurrection.

Jesus shows us that with wisdom and faith and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate even the most complex situations.

He teaches us to respect our earthly duties while keeping our hearts fully devoted to God.

And He reminds us of the powerful promise of the resurrection.

Therefore, as we go through life, We can be aligned with God’s greatest Commandments that help us to give to others what we owe them, but always give to God what belongs to Him.

How do we do this? The answer is found in Mark 12:28-34. Read it and

Then, continue to the next segment of this video, Part 6: “The Greatest Commandment.”

The Book of Mark

(Lesson 9)

Jerusalem Controversies

Part 6: ““The Greatest Commandment.”

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where everyone seems to be against one person, but then someone steps up and shows that they’re willing to listen and even agree to what is right?

That takes real courage.

In the story we’re about to explore, related to the greatest commandments, one of the Jewish leaders does just that.

He defies his associates to ask Jesus a question and then genuinely listens to His answer, even though it could put him at odds with the others.  

Let’s see what happens when this brave man seeks truth from Jesus, their opponent.

In the Book of Mark, we often see the Jewish spiritual leaders challenging Jesus, trying to trap Him with their questions.

But this time, something different happens. A lawyer, one of these spiritual leaders, approaches Jesus with a sincere question. 

Unlike the others, this man isn’t trying to catch Jesus in a mistake. He genuinely wants to know the answer.

He’s been listening to Jesus’ teachings, and he’s impressed by what he’s heard.

 So, in front of everyone, this lawyer asks Jesus, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Now, this was a big question because the Jews had many laws and commandments, and knowing which one was the most important was a matter of great debate.

Jesus doesn’t hesitate. He answers clearly and directly, quoting from Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”

Jesus then added a second commandment, quoting from Leviticus 19:18:

“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Jesus’ answer is simple but profound.

He makes it clear that loving God with every part of our being is the most important thing we can do.

And right alongside that is the command to love our neighbors just as we love ourselves.

These two commandments sum up all the others because when we truly love God and love others, everything else falls into place.

Now, some might wonder, “How can God command us to love?

Isn’t love something we feel?”

But when Moses wrote these commandments, the word “love” wasn’t just about feelings.

It was about loyalty and commitment.

It meant keeping your promises and staying true to the agreements you made.

So, when God commands us to love Him and our neighbors, He’s asking for our loyalty, our commitment, and our actions that show this love.

The lawyer, hearing Jesus’ answer, was deeply moved.

He understands the truth in what Jesus is saying, and he isn’t afraid to admit it. He agrees with Jesus, saying that loving God and others is more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices. 

Can you imagine the other leaders frowning at one of their own who sides with Jesus?

But this man is honest and brave enough to speak up and speak out.

Jesus sees this honesty and tells the lawyer or scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

But Jesus also knows that to enter the kingdom fully, the lawyer needs to recognize who He really is and follow Him.

So, how do we learn to love God and our neighbors as ourselves?

How do we obey the greatest commandments? 

The answer lies in the Cross. When we look at what Jesus did for us – how He gave His life out of love for us it helps us to understand what true love really means.

The Cross shows us the depth of God’s love for us and inspires us to love Him in return.

And when we love God, that love naturally overflows to those around us.

In a world full of noise and conflicting voices, it takes courage to listen to and obey the voice of God and even more to live by his commands.

The lawyer who asked Jesus about the greatest commandment found himself close to God’s kingdom because he was willing to seek the truth with an open heart.

Here we are reminded that the greatest thing we can do is to love—love God with all our hearts and love our neighbors as ourselves.

When we keep our eyes on the Cross, the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and follow Him, we’ll find the strength to live out this love in our daily lives. Commit to loving God fully and letting that love shine through in how we treat others.

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