March 28, 2025: You are not far from the Kingdom of God

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In Mark 12:28-34, Jesus is approached by a teacher of the law who asks Him which commandment is the greatest. Jesus responds by emphasizing love—love for God and love for neighbor. The teacher agrees, acknowledging that love is greater than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Jesus then tells him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

Mark 12:34

“When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And from then on, no one dared ask him any more questions.”

1. Knowing Is Not Enough

The teacher of the law understood the greatest commandment, and Jesus commended his wisdom. However, being “not far” means he was close—but not yet inside the kingdom. Intellectual knowledge of God’s truth is important, but salvation requires a personal commitment to Christ.

2. The Heart’s Response Matters

The difference between being near the kingdom and entering it is our response. Do we simply admire God’s word, or do we live it out? Jesus invites us not just to agree with His teachings but to follow Him fully.

3. The Journey from ‘Near’ to ‘Inside’

Being close to God’s kingdom means we are on the right path, but we must take the final step of surrendering our lives to Christ. Faith, repentance, and obedience bring us into full relationship with God.

How Do We Remain Far from the Kingdom of God?

Even when we know the truth, certain attitudes and behaviors can keep us distant from God’s kingdom:

1.     Prioritizing Religion Over Relationship: When we focus only on rituals, traditions, or legalism rather than a genuine relationship with Jesus, we remain far from the kingdom.

2.     Unforgiveness and Pride: Holding grudges, refusing to forgive, or being too proud to submit to God’s authority creates a barrier between us and Him.

3.     Worldly Attachments: Loving money, power, or pleasure more than God keeps us from fully surrendering to Him.

4.     Fear of Commitment: Some hesitate to follow Christ completely because they fear change, rejection, or losing worldly comforts.

5.     Ignoring the Call to Love: Jesus emphasized love for God and others. When we live selfishly, without compassion, we fail to live out the greatest commandment.

Real-Life Stories of Transformation

1. C.S. Lewis – From Skeptic to Defender of Faith

C.S. Lewis, a famous author and former atheist, was “not far” from the kingdom for years. He admired Christian teachings and wrestled with faith intellectually. However, it was only when he surrendered to Jesus that he fully stepped into God’s kingdom. He later became one of the greatest Christian apologists, writing books like Mere Christianity to defend the faith.

2. John Newton – From Slave Trader to Hymn Writer

John Newton, known for writing Amazing Grace, spent years in rebellion against God. He was “near” the kingdom, having been raised in a Christian home, but he lived a life of sin as a slave trader. After a near-death experience at sea, he repented and dedicated his life to Christ, becoming a preacher and abolitionist. His story reminds us that knowing about God isn’t enough—we must surrender to Him completely.

Lessons for Us

1.     Move from knowledge to action: Understanding God’s truth is valuable, but true faith requires commitment.

2.     Examine your heart: Are you merely close to the kingdom, or have you entered through faith in Christ?

3.     Let go of worldly distractions: Anything that keeps us from fully surrendering to Jesus must be set aside.

4.     Live out love daily: Jesus emphasized love for God and neighbor—this should reflect in our actions.

Questions for Reflection

1.     Am I only admiring Jesus’ teachings, or have I fully surrendered my life to Him?

2.     What is holding me back from completely stepping into God’s kingdom?

3.     How can I move from being “not far” to fully embracing Christ in my life?

4.     In what ways do I remain far from the kingdom of God, and how can I change?

5.     What step can I take today to deepen my faith and walk closer with God?

Jesus’ words in Mark 12:34 remind us that it is possible to be close to the kingdom yet not be inside. Let us not settle for being near—let us step fully into God’s kingdom through faith, love, and obedience.


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