In or Out?
I once heard of a man who stood for hours outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, longing to see the Queen. He could see the grandeur. Guards marched in precision. He was so close—just on the other side of the fence. But he never got in. Why? He lacked the invitation.
How tragic to stand “not far” from the kingdom of God… and yet remain outside.
Historical Context
When Jesus taught in the Temple (Mark 12:28–34), a scribe asked Him about the greatest commandment. Jesus answered plainly:
“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… and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:29–31, ESV)
The scribe agreed, impressed. Jesus commended his understanding but warned:
“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:34)
Not far—but not in.
In first-century Judaism, many prided themselves on ritual purity, temple observance, and knowledge of the Law. Yet Jesus exposed that knowledge without obedient love leaves us outside the gates.
Reflection: It’s Not About Ritual
“It’s not about ritual. It’s not about respectability. It’s about relationship.”
Church Father Augustine wrote:
“Love God, and do what you will.”
(because true love of God rightly orders all else)
John Calvin warns:
“Nothing is more displeasing to God than a counterfeit religion which occupies itself with ceremonies and neglects truth.”
Jesus’ call is simple, but searching: love God with everything you are, and love others likewise.
Scripture Cross References
✅ Deuteronomy 6:4–5 – the Shema command to love God fully
✅ Micah 6:6–8 – “What does the Lord require… but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly”
✅ Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter…”
✅ 1 Corinthians 13 – Even knowledge or sacrifice is nothing without love
Theme: Not Far Is Not In
Many today sit in church, nod in agreement with sermons, sing hymns—yet their hearts are far from the Kingdom.
?️ Paul Washer warns:
“Many will agree with Jesus, but few will follow Him.”
?️ John MacArthur adds:
“Salvation is not just affirming facts about Christ. It is embracing Him as Lord and Savior in repentant faith.”
Knowledge about Jesus is good. Agreeing with His teaching is right. But it’s not enough.
Not far is not in.
Personal Application & Take-Away Tasks
✅ Examine Yourself
- Is my love for God partial or whole?
- Do I just know about Jesus, or do I trust and follow Him?
✅ Repent of Self-Righteousness
- Turn from thinking ritual, morality, or knowledge earns God’s favor.
✅ Embrace Relationship
- Renew your love for God daily in prayer and Scripture.
- Seek to love your neighbor in action (James 2:14–17).
✅ Share the Invitation
- Tell someone today: The kingdom doors swing wide. Don’t stand outside.
Not Far…
What does God ask of me?
Not polished prayer or show—
But love with all my heart and soul,
My strength, my mind must go.Not far is not enough,
So close can still be lost.
Repent of self-made righteousness,
Come kneel before the Cross.Leave behind your cleansing rags,
Your virtue’s empty claim.
Find saving faith in Christ alone,
No other hope or name.Love God who reigns supreme,
For He is best for you.
And let that love spill over wide
To neighbor’s need in view.Step over now—no holding back.
The Kingdom doors swing wide.
Not far is not in—come enter grace,
With Jesus as your Guide.
Invitation
Friend, don’t settle for being “not far.”
Don’t be content with knowledge about God.
Don’t just agree with Jesus—follow Him.
He is inviting you in.
Will you respond?
Closing Prayer
Lord, search our hearts. Expose any love that is divided or false. Help us to love You with all that we are, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. May none of us settle for being “not far” from Your kingdom. Bring us all the way in—by faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.