The Battle of the "R's"

The Battle of the "R's"

Mark 12:28-34

 The Point: Proper relationships with the Lord and other people are more acceptable than any work that can be done for Him. 

Points of the passage:

The religious leaders prioritized rules. (28) 

1. To find peaceful commonality 
2. To maintain power
3. To sidestep personal sinfulness

 Jesus prioritized relationships. (29-31) 

1. To promote love.
2. To set a worthwhile goal.
3. To provide an "umbrella" for the Christian life.

 By prioritizing relationships, Jesus won some people who prioritized rules. (32-34) 

1. Truth wins some. (32)
2. Relationship trumps religion. (33)
3. Truth and love can lead to salvation. (34)

Application:

1. We must know the rules.
2. We must build relationships. 
3. We must share the rules to better those relationships.