SHEMA: Hear and Obeyਨਮੂਨਾ

The first Scripture many Jewish children commit to memory is Deuteronomy 6:4–5, which begins: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” It’s not a throwaway line or a religious formality—it’s the heartbeat of Jewish faith. This passage, known as the Shema (שׁמע), is more than tradition. It’s the prayer that begins a life of faith—and for many, it’s the final breath of one too. The first words learned, and often the last words spoken. In observant Jewish homes, these verses are recited daily—morning and evening—forming a sacred rhythm that stretches across generations. In joy and suffering, in obedience and even martyrdom, the Shema is the confession that frames a Jewish life wholly devoted to the Lord.

Even Jesus knew the Shema.

In Mark 12, He’s confronted by the Sadducees—religious elites trying to trap Him in theological error. But Jesus doesn’t flinch. He answers with clarity, exposing their flawed thinking and hollow hearts. Nearby, a scribe listens in.

Scribes were guardians of the Law—meticulous in their transcription of Scripture, hand-copying every letter with reverence. They were rigorous in interpretation and exacting in defense of truth. Mark 12:28 tells us this scribe was impressed. That’s no small detail. Scribes weren’t easily swayed. They had the Torah memorized. They were theological heavyweights, entrusted to protect the sacred texts. And yet this one steps forward—not to argue, but to ask: “Which commandment is the most important of all?”

Jesus doesn’t hesitate. He answers with the Shema. Out of every command and word etched in sacred ink—Jesus points here. These words are the foundation, not the footnote. He affirms that love for God—with all your heart, soul, and strength—is not only the greatest commandment, but the very lens through which all of life must be seen.

It may surprise you that Jesus would root everything in this ancient declaration. To understand why, we must consider the very first word of that passage:

Hear.

It might not mean what you think. Tomorrow, we’ll begin to uncover why.

REFLECTION:
If Deuteronomy 6:4–5 shaped how you saw your life today, what priorities or desires would start to shift—and what would become non-negotiable?