Mark 12:29 – “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In response to the scribe’s question about which commandment is the most important, Jesus begins by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4, a verse known as the Shema. The Shema, which begins with “Hear, O Israel,” is a central declaration of the Jewish faith, emphasizing the oneness of God. By starting with this declaration, Jesus affirms that the foundation of all commandments is rooted in recognizing and worshiping the one true God.
The phrase “The Lord is one” underscores God’s uniqueness and exclusivity. There is no other God besides Him, and He alone is worthy of worship and obedience. By pointing to this truth, Jesus shows that our relationship with God begins with recognizing His authority, His unity, and His role as the ultimate source of life and truth.
Historical Context
The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) was recited daily by devout Jews as part of their morning and evening prayers. It served as a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God and their commitment to worship Him alone. The Jewish people lived in a world surrounded by pagan nations that worshiped many gods, so the Shema was a powerful statement of monotheism and loyalty to the God of Israel.
By quoting the Shema, Jesus aligns His teaching with the core beliefs of the Jewish faith, but He will soon go further by connecting this truth to the command to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength. For Jesus, recognizing the oneness of God is not just an intellectual acknowledgment—it requires a wholehearted response of love and devotion.
The statement that “the Lord is one” was also significant in the context of Roman-occupied Israel, where the people faced pressure to conform to the worship of the Roman gods and emperor. Jesus’ emphasis on the oneness of God reaffirmed the exclusivity of true worship and the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in the face of cultural pressure.
Theological Implications
- Monotheism is central to the Christian faith. Jesus reaffirms the foundational truth that there is only one God. This truth is the starting point for understanding who God is and how we should relate to Him.
- True worship flows from recognizing God’s oneness. The command to love God (which follows in Mark 12:30) is rooted in the understanding that He alone is worthy of our devotion. When we acknowledge that there is no other God, our worship and obedience naturally follow.
- God’s unity reflects His faithfulness. The oneness of God is not just about numerical singularity—it also points to His consistent and unchanging character. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and His faithfulness to His people is unwavering.
Literary Analysis
This verse is the first part of Jesus’ response to the scribe’s question, setting the stage for His explanation of the greatest commandment. By quoting the Shema, Jesus emphasizes that understanding God’s identity is essential before we can fully understand His commandments. The structure of Jesus’ response reflects the flow of the Shema itself: acknowledging who God is before explaining how to respond to Him.
The use of the imperative “Hear, O Israel” indicates that this is not just a statement of fact but a call to listen and respond. The Shema was intended to be more than a recitation—it was a call to action, requiring God’s people to live in obedience to His commands.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – The original Shema passage, which Jesus quotes as the foundation of the greatest commandment.
- Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.” This commandment reinforces the exclusive worship of the one true God.
- Isaiah 45:5 – “I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.” This verse emphasizes the uniqueness of God.
- 1 Corinthians 8:6 – “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live.” Paul reaffirms the oneness of God in the New Testament context.
- John 17:3 – Jesus prays, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that our faith begins with recognizing and worshiping the one true God. In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, we are called to remain focused on God’s uniqueness and His authority over our lives. Just as the Jewish people recited the Shema daily to reaffirm their commitment to God, we should regularly reflect on who God is and how we are responding to Him.
This verse also challenges us to live out our faith in a way that reflects our belief in God’s oneness. If we truly believe that God is the only source of life, truth, and salvation, our lives should demonstrate that belief through our actions, priorities, and relationships.
Additionally, this passage reminds us that worship is not just about external rituals—it’s about acknowledging God’s authority and living in a way that honors Him. True worship flows from a heart that recognizes who God is and responds with love, obedience, and trust.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s oneness is a reflection of His perfect, unchanging love. Unlike the many gods of pagan religions, who were often depicted as inconsistent and unpredictable, the one true God is faithful and trustworthy. His love for His people is constant, and His desire for a relationship with us is rooted in His eternal nature.
God’s love is also seen in His desire for us to know Him. The Shema begins with the command to “hear,” showing that God is not distant or hidden—He wants to reveal Himself to us and invite us into a relationship with Him. Through His Word and through Jesus Christ, God has made Himself known so that we can love and worship Him fully.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate revelation of the one true God. As the Son of God, He is one with the Father (John 10:30), and through Him, we see the fullness of God’s nature and love. When Jesus quotes the Shema, He is not only affirming the oneness of God but also pointing to Himself as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrates what it means to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength. He perfectly embodies the commandment to love God and others, showing us how to live in obedience to God’s will. By following Jesus, we are drawn into the love and unity that exist within the Trinity.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does recognizing the oneness of God influence your daily life and decisions?
- Are there any “competing gods” or distractions in your life that you need to set aside to fully worship the one true God?
- How can you remind yourself daily of God’s uniqueness and faithfulness, similar to the practice of reciting the Shema?
- What does it mean to you personally to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
- How does Jesus’ role as the ultimate revelation of God’s nature help you understand and trust God more fully?