Jesus concludes with a formula of encouragement, like a beatitude: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God” (the implication being “blessed are you”). Incidentally, it is interesting to note that Jesus’ usual preaching is not a teaching of the “you must, you ought…” type, but a revelation about the depth of our experience: because you have understood that the most important thing is to love, blessed are you, you are very close to the Kingdom. Thus, Jesus closes this series of controversies on a positive note, which is characteristic of Mark: “You are not far from the Kingdom.”