Word@Work 147 - Mark 12:35-37
Published: Wed, 06/18/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 12:35-37 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:
" 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." '
David himself calls him 'Lord'. How then can he be his son?"
The large crowd listened to him with delight. (NIV)
It's quite striking how Jesus goes on teaching, right up to the moment of His arrest and trial. This was crucial teaching for the disciples - 'last words' always embed themselves in the memory. Having faced questioning from His accusers, Jesus now puts them on the spot. He is forcing them to rethink their doctrine of who the Messiah (the Christ) would be (but knowing that the disciples would use the teaching much better). They thought that the Messiah would be their victorious leader but also a son of David (and therefore one who would be their son to serve them). This view was not wrong (cf Is. 9:6), but it was incomplete.
So Jesus crystallised the question.: if Ps 110:1 called the Christ David's Lord - how can He be David's son? We have the benefit of knowing that Jesus was the son of David by His human genealogy, but also the Lord of all - by appointment. It was important that the disciples understood this before the darkness of Calvary. We know that they did get the message because Peter's Pentecost message included these words "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36). Without Jesus being Lord, there is no Master over death or Saviour for eternal life.
This is the central theme of Mark's Gospel; and it remains the crucial question for today: "Who is Jesus?". If He is not Lord by God's appointment, it would be blasphemous idolatry for us to make Him Lord. But if He is, then He has the right to our obedience and worship! Much Christian 'soft-talk' misses the central point. Conversations about religion, church, priesthood or the perversities that sell newspapers - all that is often wasted time. Ask the key question, "What do you think of Jesus, who is He?" That will lead the conversation to the heart of the gospel - and to salvation for those who will hear!
Prayer: Father God. Thank You that You have appointed Jesus to be Lord of all. Help me not to be ashamed to say that he is my Lord - and help me to have Jesus-centred conversations with those who are yet to believe in Him. For His Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
" 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." '
David himself calls him 'Lord'. How then can he be his son?"
The large crowd listened to him with delight. (NIV)
It's quite striking how Jesus goes on teaching, right up to the moment of His arrest and trial. This was crucial teaching for the disciples - 'last words' always embed themselves in the memory. Having faced questioning from His accusers, Jesus now puts them on the spot. He is forcing them to rethink their doctrine of who the Messiah (the Christ) would be (but knowing that the disciples would use the teaching much better). They thought that the Messiah would be their victorious leader but also a son of David (and therefore one who would be their son to serve them). This view was not wrong (cf Is. 9:6), but it was incomplete.
So Jesus crystallised the question.: if Ps 110:1 called the Christ David's Lord - how can He be David's son? We have the benefit of knowing that Jesus was the son of David by His human genealogy, but also the Lord of all - by appointment. It was important that the disciples understood this before the darkness of Calvary. We know that they did get the message because Peter's Pentecost message included these words "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36). Without Jesus being Lord, there is no Master over death or Saviour for eternal life.
This is the central theme of Mark's Gospel; and it remains the crucial question for today: "Who is Jesus?". If He is not Lord by God's appointment, it would be blasphemous idolatry for us to make Him Lord. But if He is, then He has the right to our obedience and worship! Much Christian 'soft-talk' misses the central point. Conversations about religion, church, priesthood or the perversities that sell newspapers - all that is often wasted time. Ask the key question, "What do you think of Jesus, who is He?" That will lead the conversation to the heart of the gospel - and to salvation for those who will hear!
Prayer: Father God. Thank You that You have appointed Jesus to be Lord of all. Help me not to be ashamed to say that he is my Lord - and help me to have Jesus-centred conversations with those who are yet to believe in Him. For His Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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