12:29-31
Jesus responds by citing the Shema, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One” and then going on to say that we should love God with all that we have (Deut 6:4,5). Jesus then goes on to say “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev 19:18). In Matt 22:39 Jesus says “and the second is like it”. 1 John emphasises the point that if we say we love God but do not love our neighbour, then our supposed love for God is a sham. Loving God can become very theoretical, loving our neighbour roots it in reality.
12:32.33
“Well said teacher ...” seems a little like the teacher is giving Jesus high marks, as though he is the one judging Jesus. He congratulates Jesus on saying God is one, and is above all. He then adds the comment that loving God and loving our neighbour is more important than “all burnt offerings and sacrifices”, and there is Biblical warrant for this in the Old Testament.
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