Christ: The Sovereign Lord Beyond David's Lineage

 

Summary

In today's exploration of Mark 12:35-37, we delve into a profound theological question posed by Jesus: "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?" This inquiry challenges the prevailing Jewish expectation of the Messiah as merely a descendant of David. Jesus references Psalm 110, where David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, calls the Messiah "Lord," indicating a status far superior to that of a mere descendant. This passage underscores the dual nature of Christ as both the Son of David and the sovereign Lord, a mystery that reveals the depth of His divine authority and kingship.

The historical context of David's reign as the golden age of Israel sets the stage for the Jewish anticipation of a Messiah who would restore the kingdom. However, Jesus redirects this expectation by highlighting His divine authority, as affirmed by His position at the right hand of God. This enthronement, known as the Session of Christ, signifies His supreme authority over all creation, a reality that is often overlooked in contemporary Christian thought.

The significance of Psalm 110, the most frequently quoted Old Testament text in the New Testament, cannot be overstated. It provides a foundational understanding of Jesus' identity and mission. The passage reveals that Jesus, though a descendant of David, is exalted as David's Lord, embodying the ultimate fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. This revelation challenges us to recognize Jesus not only as a historical figure but as the reigning King who commands our allegiance and loyalty.

In our daily lives, this understanding calls us to live as subjects of a kingdom where Christ reigns supreme. Our faithfulness to Him, even in His physical absence, mirrors the loyalty of Robin Hood's men to King Richard. As we await His return, we are called to uphold His kingdom values, standing firm against the corrupt influences of the world.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' question about the Messiah being the Son of David challenges us to see beyond human lineage to His divine authority. This dual identity as both descendant and Lord reveals the profound mystery of Christ's nature. [04:04]

- The Session of Christ, His enthronement at the right hand of God, is a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect of His work. It signifies His current reign and authority over all creation, reminding us that we live under His kingship now. [21:40]

- Psalm 110, frequently quoted in the New Testament, underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as both the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the sovereign Lord. This understanding deepens our appreciation of His divine mission. [12:07]

- Our allegiance to Christ mirrors the loyalty of Robin Hood's men to their absent king. In a world that often follows corrupt leaders, we are called to remain faithful to our true King, who reigns supreme. [25:02]

- The name above every name, given to Jesus, is "Lord," signifying His ultimate authority and divinity. This title, reserved for God, is now bestowed upon Christ, affirming His role as the sovereign ruler of all. [31:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - Introduction to Mark 12:35-37
- [01:24] - The Profound Nature of the Text
- [02:16] - Jesus as the Interrogator
- [03:10] - The Threefold Interrogation
- [04:04] - Jesus' Theological Question
- [05:02] - The Lineage of David
- [06:50] - The Golden Age of Israel
- [07:47] - The Promise of the Messiah
- [08:41] - Jesus' View of Scripture
- [09:35] - Biblical Vandalism
- [11:13] - The Significance of Psalm 110
- [12:59] - The Messianic Expectancy
- [13:57] - Yahweh and Adonai
- [15:09] - The Holiness of God
- [16:55] - The Sovereignty of Christ
- [18:46] - The Session of Jesus
- [21:40] - The Reign of Christ
- [23:33] - The Story of Robin Hood
- [25:02] - Loyalty to the King
- [27:28] - The Supremacy of Jesus
- [29:06] - Jesus as David's Lord
- [31:01] - The Name Above Every Name
- [32:44] - The Implications of Christ's Authority
- [33:36] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 12:35-37
- Psalm 110:1

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Observation Questions:

1. What question does Jesus pose to the scribes in Mark 12:35-37, and why is it significant? [04:04]
2. How does Jesus use Psalm 110 to challenge the common understanding of the Messiah's identity? [12:07]
3. What does the term "Session of Christ" refer to, and why is it important in understanding Jesus' current role? [21:40]
4. How does the story of Robin Hood relate to the concept of loyalty to Christ as discussed in the sermon? [25:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jesus' question about the Messiah being the Son of David challenge the traditional Jewish expectations of the Messiah? [04:04]
2. In what ways does the Session of Christ, as described in the sermon, impact the understanding of Jesus' authority and kingship? [21:40]
3. How does the frequent New Testament reference to Psalm 110 enhance the understanding of Jesus' divine mission and identity? [12:07]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the implications of Jesus being given the name "Lord," and how does this affect the believer's view of His authority? [31:51]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of Jesus as both the Son of David and the sovereign Lord. How does this dual identity influence your daily walk with Christ? [04:04]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus' current reign. How can you live more consciously under His kingship in your everyday decisions? [21:40]
3. In what ways can you demonstrate loyalty to Christ, similar to Robin Hood's men, in a world that often follows corrupt leaders? [25:02]
4. Consider the significance of Jesus being seated at the right hand of God. How does this truth encourage you in times of uncertainty or challenge? [21:40]
5. The sermon mentions the name "Lord" as the ultimate title given to Jesus. How does acknowledging Jesus as Lord shape your interactions with others and your personal priorities? [31:51]
6. How can you incorporate the values of Christ's kingdom into your community or workplace, standing firm against worldly influences? [25:02]
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to recognize Jesus' authority. What steps can you take this week to submit that area to His lordship? [31:51]

Devotional

Day 1: The Dual Identity of Christ
Jesus' question about the Messiah being the Son of David challenges us to see beyond human lineage to His divine authority. This dual identity as both descendant and Lord reveals the profound mystery of Christ's nature. Jesus references Psalm 110, where David calls the Messiah "Lord," indicating a status far superior to that of a mere descendant. This passage underscores the dual nature of Christ as both the Son of David and the sovereign Lord, a mystery that reveals the depth of His divine authority and kingship. Understanding this dual identity helps us appreciate the fullness of who Jesus is and the significance of His mission on earth. [04:04]

Psalm 89:3-4 (ESV): "You have said, 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.'"

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as both the Son of David and the sovereign Lord change your understanding of His role in your life today?


Day 2: The Reign of Christ
The Session of Christ, His enthronement at the right hand of God, is a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect of His work. It signifies His current reign and authority over all creation, reminding us that we live under His kingship now. This enthronement, known as the Session of Christ, signifies His supreme authority over all creation, a reality that is often overlooked in contemporary Christian thought. As believers, we are called to live as subjects of a kingdom where Christ reigns supreme, upholding His kingdom values and standing firm against the corrupt influences of the world. [21:40]

Ephesians 1:20-21 (ESV): "That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."

Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and submit to Christ's reign in your daily decisions and actions?


Day 3: Fulfillment of Prophecy
Psalm 110, frequently quoted in the New Testament, underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as both the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the sovereign Lord. This understanding deepens our appreciation of His divine mission. The historical context of David's reign as the golden age of Israel sets the stage for the Jewish anticipation of a Messiah who would restore the kingdom. However, Jesus redirects this expectation by highlighting His divine authority, as affirmed by His position at the right hand of God. [12:07]

Acts 2:34-36 (ESV): "For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.' Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy impact your faith and trust in God's promises?


Day 4: Loyalty to the True King
Our allegiance to Christ mirrors the loyalty of Robin Hood's men to their absent king. In a world that often follows corrupt leaders, we are called to remain faithful to our true King, who reigns supreme. This loyalty is not passive but active, requiring us to uphold His kingdom values and stand firm against the corrupt influences of the world. As we await His return, we are called to live as subjects of a kingdom where Christ reigns supreme. [25:02]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your loyalty to Christ in your community and relationships today?


Day 5: The Name Above Every Name
The name above every name, given to Jesus, is "Lord," signifying His ultimate authority and divinity. This title, reserved for God, is now bestowed upon Christ, affirming His role as the sovereign ruler of all. Recognizing Jesus as Lord challenges us to submit every area of our lives to His authority and to live in a way that reflects His lordship. This understanding calls us to live as subjects of a kingdom where Christ reigns supreme, upholding His kingdom values and standing firm against the corrupt influences of the world. [31:51]

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV): "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it challenging to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and how can you begin to surrender it to Him today?

Quotes


We’re still in chapter 12, and I will be reading from verse 35 through verse 37. That’s Mark 12:35 to 37, and I would ask the congregation to stand for the reading of the Word of God. “Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, ‘How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” Therefore David himself calls Him “Lord”; how is He then his Son?’ And the common people heard Him gladly.” [00:11:36]

Now most of these people were well aware of the manifold texts of the Old Testament that predicted that the coming Messiah would be from the line of David, that He would be a descendent of David, that He would be born in the city of David, that He would be of the seed of David. If you go back for a moment to the pages of the Old Testament, we realize that Israel’s most illustrious king was King David. [00:05:02]

And so the reign of David was considered by the Jews to be the golden age of Israel. And we know what happened upon the death of David where his kingdom was inherited by his son Solomon, that under that reign of Solomon with all of his wisdom and at times the lack of it, the golden age of Israel began to be tarnished a bit, and then by the next generation, the kingdom was divided between Jeroboam and Rehoboam, and that glorious golden era turned to rust. [00:06:50]

Let’s look at the beginning of this quotation, where Jesus said, “David himself said by the Holy Spirit.” Just in passing, let us notice the Lord Jesus Christ’s view of sacred Scripture. He did not regard the lyrical poetry of David the musician and literary giant of antiquity as a man just simply, uniquely gifted with what we call artistic inspiration, but when he quotes from the Psalm, He says that David said what he said and wrote what he wrote by the Holy Spirit. [00:08:41]

You may be surprised to learn that Psalm 110 is the most frequently quoted Old Testament text in the New Testament. To say it another way, there’s no other statement found in the Old Testament Scriptures quoted more often than the text of Psalm 110. Including direct quotations and allusions the New Testaments refers to Psalm 110 no less than thirty-three times. [00:12:07]

David himself said by the Holy Spirit, “The LORD said to my Lord.” There’s the first part of the conundrum. Here you have the LORD, and in the Old Testament it’s Yahweh having a conversation with someone who is given the title Adonai, or Lord, which is strange enough because in most cases in the Old Testament whenever the title Adonai is used, it is used to describe an office or a title that belongs to Yahweh. [00:13:57]

Now the most important Session of all time and of all place is the Session that is seated in heaven. And what Psalm 110 says is that Yahweh says to David’s Lord, “Sit at My right hand,” which means, “Be seated in the highest place of authority in the universe according to My delegation.” And the point that this prophecy gives to us is that the Messiah who is to come, after He finishes His labor in this world will be exalted into heaven, taken up into heaven in ascension, and enthroned at the right hand of God. [00:21:40]

It means that Christ has been enthroned in the highest seat of political power and authority in the universe. We pride ourselves in living in a democracy or a republic, but as Christians we do not reside in a democracy or a republic. We live in a kingdom, where we have a King who has been enthroned already, that He is the King of Kings. He is the Lord of Lords. And that reign is not something that’s going to take place in the distant future, but it has started already. Jesus is our King this morning. [00:23:33]

You see why I love that? As a metaphor for the church, our King is already seated on the right hand of God, but He’s gone to heaven temporarily. In the meantime, He looks to us, to His people to remain loyal to Him when the whole world goes for Prince John. But our King has been seated at the right hand of God. [00:27:28]

The author of Hebrews makes much of this when he writes of the supremacy of Jesus, where he says in chapter 1, the end of chapter 1 of the book of Hebrews, “But to which of the angels has He ever said: ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’?” Earlier in that same chapter, he cites elsewhere, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” [00:27:28]

But the point is that yes, the Messiah will be the Son of David, but in Jewish categories, the son is always subordinate to his father. The son is never greater than the father. And so you would expect as marvelous as the Messiah would be, if He is David’s Son, He cannot be greater than David. But David himself Jesus says under the guidance of the Holy Ghost calls his Son, his Lord, so that Jesus is not simply the Son of David, He is David’s Sovereign. He is David’s Adonai. He is David’s King before whom even David must bow. Therefore David himself calls Him, “Lord.” [00:29:06]

Listen to Christian hymnody. Listen to the spiritual songs, the praise choruses, and they all celebrate the name of Jesus as the name that is above every name. No, no, no, no. Paul says at the name of Jesus every knee would bow and every tongue confess not that He is Jesus, but that He is Adonai, that He is “Kurios,” that He is Lord. That’s the supreme title. That’s the name that is above every name. The name that is reserved for God in the Old Testament is now given to His Son, who now is called “Kurios Kurion,” the Lord of the Lords, the Sovereign One whom God has seated at His right hand. [00:31:01]

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Transcript
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