SPB Sermons || Sun 23rd Feb || Mark 12: 28-34 || One Lord: One Way || Rev Ian Cahoon

Sermon Blog - Mark 12:28-34

On Sunday, 26th February 2025, at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, we had the privilege of welcoming Rev. Ian Cahoon from Alexandra Presbyterian Church, who preached from Mark 12:28-34. This passage brings us to the heart of Jesus’ teaching on the greatest commandment—what it truly means to love God and love our neighbour.

The scribe who approached Jesus that day was not trying to trap Him, as others had done. Instead, he genuinely sought wisdom, asking, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus’ response was simple yet profound: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” He then adds, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” These are the foundation of a life lived in obedience to God.

Rev. Cahoon reminded us that this call to love is not transactional—God is not merely looking for external obedience or religious performance. Rather, He calls for whole-hearted devotion. True faith is not about rules but about relationship. It is about knowing God, not just knowing about Him. It is about living in response to His grace, not trying to earn His favour.

And yet, Jesus’ final words to the scribe are sobering: “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” To be near is not the same as being in. Many admire Jesus’ teaching but stop short of surrendering to Him as Lord. The challenge for us today is clear: Are we merely close to the kingdom, or are we fully in? Do we acknowledge Jesus as a great teacher, or have we made Him the Lord and Saviour of our lives?

If you missed this sermon or want to reflect on it again, we invite you to listen below. And if you're searching for a place to grow in faith, to be part of a community that seeks to love God and love one another, we’d love to welcome you at St Paul’s & St Barnabas. Come and see what God is doing among us.

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