What Jesus Did! 'David's Lord?' — Mark 12:35-37

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, "Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David? For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said,

'The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.'

Since David himself called the Messiah 'my Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?" The large crowd listened to him with great delight.

— Mark 12:35-37 NLT

Key Thought

The religious scholars of the day liked to play little games to test each other's the Bible knowledge. This ancient version of "stump the rabbi" was sometimes done with a good spirit. Other times, 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, but they also were left embarrassed by his answers. So Jesus turns the tables around on them and asks a question that lies at the heart of the issue — is he 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 the Messiah, Son of David, Lord, and God's Son.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, I find Jesus' use of the rabbi's own methods fascinating. I love the way Jesus successfully answers every one of their questions asked of him, and then he turns things around and asks them a question they cannot answer. I believe that Jesus teaches, demonstrates, and embodies your truth. Help me as I seek to live that truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 1:22
  • Mark 1:27
  • John 6:59-69

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 12:35-37 NLT — "Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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