Universal Utterings

for March 13, 2026

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

03-13-2026 Mark 12 v2834 You Are Not far From The Kingdom of God

http://universalutterings.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/03-13-2026-Mark-12-v2834-You-Are-Not-far-From-The-Kingdom-of-God.mp3

The Gospel of Mark Chapter 12 Verse 28 thru 34

28 One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ 33 And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that [he] answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

In Mark 12:28-34, we encounter a profound exchange between Jesus and a knowledgeable scribe. The scribe asks Jesus which commandment is the most important, seeking clarity amidst the multitude of laws governing Jewish life. Jesus, in His masterful understanding, replies, emphasizing the central tenet of faith: “Hear, O Israel: “The Lord our God is Lord alone! Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” This declaration not only underscores the oneness of God but also calls us into a total, unwavering relationship with Him.

By proclaiming that the Lord is our God, we affirm His sovereignty and the uniqueness of our devotion. This commandment invites us to engage with God on every level of our being—emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and physically. Loving God fully shapes our lives, guiding our actions, decisions, and relationships. It is a call to holistic devotion, one that transcends ritual and resonates deeply within our daily existence.

The scribe acknowledges Jesus’ wisdom, affirming that such love is more valuable than all burnt offerings and sacrifices combined. In this acknowledgment, Jesus recognizes the scribe’s understanding and proclaims that he is not far from the Kingdom of God. This remarkable exchange reveals that love—true, deep love for God—places us within reach of His kingdom.

As we reflect on these verses, may we be reminded of our call to love the Lord wholeheartedly. In doing so, we draw nearer to the Kingdom of God, experiencing the transformative power of His presence in our lives. Let us strive to proclaim that the Lord is our God alone, embracing the fullness of His love in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. Novena Day One for Paula Templeton. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

03-13-2026 Mark 12 v2834

**You Are Not far From The Kingdom of God**

In the heart of the temple, the questions arise,

A scholar approaches, with wisdom so wise.

"What is the greatest commandment?” he inquired,

A search for the truth that his soul had inspired.

Jesus, with patience, and love in His heart,

Responded with clarity, each word a fine art.

"Listen, O Israel, the Lord is our King,

Love Him with all, let your praises take wing.

With all of your heart and your strength and your mind,

In this sacred command, true freedom you'll find.

And love your neighbor, as yourself, He said,

In these two commandments, God’s purpose is spread.

The scribe then reflected, his heart filled with light,

Acknowledging truth in the midst of the night.

"Well said, Teacher," he spoke with respect,

“For loving like this, brings the world to connect."

Jesus beheld him, affirmed in His quest,

"You are not far from the Kingdom of rest."

In the dance of His words, revelation unfurled,

For love is the answer, the hope of the world.

So let us remember, in all that we do,

To love beyond measure, in spirit be true.

For in that great command, the essence we find,

In love we are linked, hearts and souls intertwined. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

March 13, 2026 @ 04:39 AM EST

® Universal Utterings ® is brought to you by;

**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using [email protected], or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**