“Four-Dimensional Love”-Mark 12:28-34 March 22,2026

Four-Dimensional Love
Mark 12:28-34
March 22, 2026
Dr. Kelly B. Burton

Chapter 11 marks the arrival of Jesus and His disciples into Jerusalem. The city was busting at the seams. Pilgrims from everywhere had arrived for Passover and Pentecost Festivals. One scholar estimates the population at that time to be around 2.5 million people! This was Jesus’ final week of life on earth. God established this timetable for His Son to bear the sins of the world because it was Passover. Thousands of Passover lambs were slain during this week. Chapter 12 features the activities of Jesus in the Temple courts on Wednesday of Passion Week. In these two paragraphs I want to show you a Scribe who is not far from the Kingdom, and a little poverty-stricken woman is an example of a four-dimensional lover.

Main Idea: Authentic faith always bears the fruit of sincere action.

12:28-34 A Scribe Not Far from the Kingdom of God
The scribe is not entirely sincere.
“Not far from the Kingdom of God” means that he is still an outsider. What does he lack?

12:41-44 A Stellar Example of A Four-Dimensional Lover
This woman is an example of what fulfilling the greatest commandment looks like.
She exhibits humble dependence on God. She expects God to provide all she needs.