Gospel in Art: One of the scribes came up to Jesus

Egyptian Relief of four scribes from tomb of Horemheb, Saqqara, 1350 BC © Museo Archaeologico Nazionale, Florence

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 13 March 2026
Mark 12:28b-34

At that time: One of the scribes came up to Jesus and asked him, 'Which commandment is the most important of all?'

Jesus answered, 'The most important is, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength."

The second is this: "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." There is no other commandment greater than these.'

And the scribe said to him, 'You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbour as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.'

And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Reflection on the relief limestone panel

In the ancient world, writing was a rare and precious skill, reserved for a very small, educated elite. In early civilisations like Egypt and Mesopotamia, as societies became more complex (with administration, taxation, trade, and religion developing) there arose a need for people who could record, organise, and transmit information. Thus, the scribe emerged: not simply a writer, but a guardian of knowledge. In ancient Egypt especially, scribes held a position of great prestige. They recorded taxes, preserved religious texts, and even assisted in legal matters. In a largely illiterate society, they became indispensable, the bridge between authority and the people. Our panel from circa 1350 BC beautifully captures this long tradition.

In Israel, this role developed further, especially after the Babylonian Exile, when there was a deep need to preserve and transmit the Law. Scribes became not only writers but also interpreters of Scripture. Figures like Ezra are described as "skilled in the Law," showing how the role had evolved into something both intellectual and spiritual. By the time of Jesus, scribes were highly respected experts in the Law of Moses, often called "teachers of the law." They copied the Scriptures meticulously, interpreted them, taught them publicly, and even drafted legal documents for everyday life. So they were much more than just transcribers of texts.

In the New Testament Scribes are often linked to the Pharisees, sharing their concern for strict observance of the Law, though the two groups were not identical. A scribe was a profession: someone trained in reading, writing, and especially in copying and interpreting the Law. They were the scholars, lawyers, and teachers of Scripture. A Pharisee was a religious movement or group, a community of devout Jews committed to living out the Law in everyday life, with great attention to detail and tradition.

In our Gospel reading today, the scribe who approaches Jesus stands out in a surprisingly positive light. He is not trying to trap Jesus,, but is genuinely seeking understanding. Having heard the earlier debates, he recognises that Jesus has answered wisely, and so he asks a sincere question: "Which commandment is the first of all?" This is the question of a man searching for the heart of the Law. When Jesus responds with the command to love God and neighbour, the scribe not only agrees, but shows real insight, affirming that such love is far greater than mere ritual offerings. Jesus, in turn, recognises the sincerity of his heart and tells him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." So here, the scribe is not an opponent, but a genuine seeker.

LINKS

Christian Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reading: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-12-28b-34-2026/