For the Candid and Thoughtful

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Mark 12:34

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God…

I. THE COMMENDATION WHICH IS HERE EXPRESSED.

1. He possessed candour.

2. He possessed spiritual knowledge.

3. He knew the superiority of an inward religion over that which is external.

4. He saw the supremacy of God over the whole of our manhood.

5. Yet he did not despise outward religion so far as it was commanded of God.

II. THE QUESTION WHICH IS HERE SUGGESTED. This man came so near to the kingdom; did he ever enter it?

1. There is no reason why he should not have done so.

(1)  His knowledge of the law might have taught him his inability to obey it.

(2)  The presence of Christ might have drawn forth his love.

(3)  His knowledge of sacrifices might have taught him their spiritual import.

(4)  The Holy Spirit may have changed his heart.

2. But perhaps he never did enter the kingdom. If he did not enter, one of the reasons, no doubt, would be — that he was afraid of his fellow men.

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