Key Thought

The religious scholars of the day liked to play little games with each other to test the Bible knowledge of one another. This ancient version of "stump the Rabbi" was sometimes done with a good spirit. Other times, like those shown in the preceding verses, the questions were offered from a bitter spirit with no intention at getting to the truth. Jesus' opponents were trying to belittle him and make him look dumb, silly, ignorant, and blasphemous. Not only were they incapable of stumping Jesus with their questions, they were left embarrassed by Jesus' answers. So Jesus turns the tables around on them and asks a question that lies at the heart of the issue -- is Jesus really the Messiah, the descendant of David, and Lord? He asks the question in a fashion to fit their usual method of trying to stump the Rabbi. While they could not catch Jesus with a mistake or a bad answer to their questions, Jesus completely stumped them with his. The clear implication in the process was this: Jesus is master of the Scriptures because he is not only a great teacher, but also because he is the Messiah, Son of David, and Lord.

Today's Prayer

Today's Verses in Context

Jesus was teaching in the temple area. Jesus asked, "Why do the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David ? With the help of the Holy Spirit, David himself says: 'The Lord (God) said to my Lord (Christ): Sit by me at my right side, and I will put your enemies under your control. ' David himself calls the Christ 'Lord.' So how can the Christ be David's son?" Many people listened to Jesus and were very pleased. Jesus continued teaching. Jesus said, "Be careful of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around wearing clothes that look important. And they love for people to show respect to them in the market places. They love to get the most important seats in the synagogues. And they love to get the most important seats at the feasts. They are mean to widows and steal their homes. Then they try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers. God will punish them very much." Jesus sat near the temple money box where people put their gifts. He watched the people put money in the box. Many rich people gave much money. Then a poor widow came and gave two very small copper coins. These coins were not even worth a penny. Jesus called his followers to him. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth. This poor widow gave only two small coins. But she really gave more than all the rich people. Those people have plenty; they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor. But she gave all she had. And she needed that money to help her live."

— Mark 12:35-44 (ERV)

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