The Son is Lord

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? 36 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.” 37 David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight.
 
ONE of the Jewish titles for the Messiah is Son of David. This means the Jews expected a direct descendant of King David to defeat all Israel’s enemies and establish his rule in Jerusalem forever. The LORD first spoke his promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:16 “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” Several psalms and prophets also promise this great hope for Israel. That’s why the first chapters of Matthew and Luke are so essential. Both writers wanted the Jew and Gentile to know Jesus was born from David’s bloodline. Luke 1:30 “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The LORD God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Note here the angel said Jesus is the Son of the LORD Most High, and Jesus will sit on the throne of his father David. Jesus is David’s son – descendant – in human lineage. Jesus is David’s Lord because he is Son of God Most High. He fulfilled his mission as a man to be crucified, dead, buried, risen and ascended. Jesus returned to heaven to sit at God’s right hand. The human son of David’s line became David’s and all mankind’s Lord.
    Jesus taught he fulfilled those two roles when he quoted Psalms 110:1 The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” David acknowledged what God would do: “Yahweh, the Supreme God, said to the Messiah, David’s Lord, sit at my right hand, and you will rule over all.” Jesus is teaching that day he is fulfilling the “Son of David” prophecies.
    Note the crowd’s response. They are delighted. God had anointed the people that day with a special favor to understand Jesus is true Messiah. He is Lord of all Kings, Lord of all creation. One day soon the story will be complete for their salvation.
    Do you think those in the crowd were among the first to confess Jesus is Savior? About 50 days after this, Jesus had ascended. The Son of David, the Son of the Most High is at God’s right hand. The Holy Spirit anointed the apostles at Pentecost. Peter spoke Psalm 110 in the first sermon. (Acts 2:34-35). The Word awakened some 3,000 chosen Jews to become the first Christians. Wherever the Word of God is preached, the power of God is still changing the world.