Recognizing Jesus: Lord, Messiah, and Our Savior

 

Summary

In today's exploration of Mark 12:35-37, we delve into a passage that is often overlooked but holds profound significance. Jesus poses a question to the crowd, challenging the common understanding of the Messiah as merely the "Son of David." This question is not just a simple inquiry but a multifaceted one that is prophetic, scriptural, and doctrinal. It invites us to see Jesus not only as a descendant of David but as the Son of God, emphasizing His dual nature as both fully human and fully divine.

The prophetic nature of the question is rooted in Psalm 110:1, the most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament. This verse prophesies the Messiah's rule at God's right hand, symbolizing His ultimate victory over sin and death. Jesus' question highlights His fulfillment of this prophecy, asserting His authority and divinity.

Scripturally, Jesus affirms the Old Testament as inspired by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing its continued relevance. He underscores that the Old Testament is not to be discarded but fulfilled in Him. This challenges modern teachings that downplay the Old Testament's importance, reminding us that it is integral to understanding Jesus' mission and identity.

Doctrinally, the question points to the doctrine of Christology, the study of Jesus' person and work. It reveals the necessity of Jesus being both the Son of David and the Son of God. His humanity allows Him to die for our sins, while His divinity ensures His sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation. Without both natures, we would remain in sin and judgment.

This passage calls us to recognize Jesus as Lord, inviting us to surrender our brokenness to Him. Like a master potter, He takes the shattered pieces of our lives and creates something beautiful. We are challenged to live as if Jesus is truly Lord, allowing His lordship to transform our actions, words, and hearts.

Key Takeaways:

- Prophetic Fulfillment: Jesus' question in Mark 12:35-37 highlights His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly Psalm 110:1. This verse, the most quoted in the New Testament, underscores Jesus' victory over sin and death, symbolizing His authority and divinity. [09:41]

- Scriptural Authority: Jesus affirms the Old Testament as inspired by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing its continued relevance. This challenges modern teachings that downplay its importance, reminding us that the Old Testament is integral to understanding Jesus' mission and identity. [15:44]

- Doctrine of Christology: The question points to the necessity of Jesus being both the Son of David and the Son of God. His humanity allows Him to die for our sins, while His divinity ensures His sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation. Without both natures, we would remain in sin and judgment. [25:48]

- Surrendering Brokenness: Jesus invites us to surrender our brokenness to Him, like a master potter creating beauty from shattered pieces. This calls us to recognize Him as Lord and allow His lordship to transform our lives, actions, and hearts. [30:31]

- Living as if Jesus is Lord: We are challenged to live as if Jesus is truly Lord, allowing His authority to influence our behavior, words, and interactions with others. This involves surrendering areas of our lives where we have withheld obedience and embracing His transformative power. [33:38]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:33] - Jesus' Question in the Temple
[09:41] - Prophetic Significance of Psalm 110:1
[15:44] - Affirming the Old Testament's Authority
[20:33] - Understanding Scriptural Inspiration
[25:48] - The Doctrine of Christology
[30:31] - Surrendering Our Brokenness
[33:38] - Living as if Jesus is Lord
[37:00] - Invitation to Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 12:35-37
- Psalm 110:1
- Acts 2:32-35

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 12:35-37, what question does Jesus pose to the crowd, and why is it significant? [05:33]

2. How does Psalm 110:1 relate to Jesus' question in Mark 12:35-37, and why is it considered prophetic? [09:41]

3. What does Jesus affirm about the Old Testament in this passage, and how does it challenge modern teachings? [15:44]

4. How does the sermon describe the dual nature of Jesus as both the Son of David and the Son of God? [25:48]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it important for believers to understand the prophetic fulfillment of Psalm 110:1 in the context of Jesus' life and mission? [09:41]

2. How does Jesus' affirmation of the Old Testament as inspired by the Holy Spirit impact our understanding of its relevance today? [15:44]

3. What are the implications of Jesus being both fully human and fully divine for our understanding of salvation and forgiveness? [25:48]

4. How does the concept of surrendering our brokenness to Jesus, as described in the sermon, relate to the idea of living as if Jesus is truly Lord? [30:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you may have overlooked the significance of a Bible passage. How can you approach your Bible reading with a fresh perspective to uncover deeper meanings? [05:33]

2. In what ways can you affirm the authority of the Old Testament in your daily life, especially when faced with teachings that downplay its importance? [15:44]

3. Consider the dual nature of Jesus as both human and divine. How does this understanding influence your view of His sacrifice and your response to it? [25:48]

4. Identify an area of brokenness in your life that you have not yet surrendered to Jesus. What steps can you take this week to offer it to Him and allow His lordship to transform it? [30:31]

5. Think about a specific area of your life where you have withheld obedience to Jesus. What practical changes can you make to live as if He is truly Lord in that area? [33:38]

6. How can you actively demonstrate Jesus' lordship in your interactions with others, especially in situations where you are tempted to act contrary to His teachings? [33:38]

7. Reflect on the metaphor of Jesus as a master potter. How can you allow Him to shape and mold your life into something beautiful, even from broken pieces? [30:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus' Prophetic Fulfillment and Authority
Jesus' question in Mark 12:35-37 challenges the common understanding of the Messiah as merely the "Son of David." By referencing Psalm 110:1, Jesus highlights His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, asserting His authority and divinity. This passage underscores Jesus' victory over sin and death, symbolizing His ultimate rule at God's right hand. It invites us to see Jesus not only as a descendant of David but as the Son of God, emphasizing His dual nature as both fully human and fully divine. This understanding is crucial for recognizing the depth of Jesus' mission and His role in God's redemptive plan. [09:41]

Psalm 110:1 (ESV): "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'"

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy change your understanding of His authority in your life today?


Day 2: The Enduring Relevance of the Old Testament
Jesus affirms the Old Testament as inspired by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing its continued relevance in understanding His mission and identity. This challenges modern teachings that downplay the Old Testament's importance, reminding us that it is integral to the full narrative of God's plan for humanity. By affirming the Old Testament, Jesus underscores that it is not to be discarded but fulfilled in Him. This invites us to engage with the Old Testament as a vital part of our faith journey, deepening our understanding of Jesus' life and work. [15:44]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: What is one Old Testament passage you can study this week to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' mission?


Day 3: The Necessity of Christ's Dual Nature
The doctrine of Christology reveals the necessity of Jesus being both the Son of David and the Son of God. His humanity allows Him to die for our sins, while His divinity ensures His sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation. Without both natures, we would remain in sin and judgment. This understanding is foundational to our faith, as it highlights the completeness of Jesus' work on the cross and His ability to bridge the gap between humanity and God. Recognizing Jesus' dual nature invites us to trust fully in His redemptive work. [25:48]

Hebrews 2:14-17 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' dual nature impact your view of His sacrifice and your relationship with Him?


Day 4: Surrendering Our Brokenness to Jesus
Jesus invites us to surrender our brokenness to Him, like a master potter creating beauty from shattered pieces. This calls us to recognize Him as Lord and allow His lordship to transform our lives, actions, and hearts. By surrendering our brokenness, we open ourselves to the healing and restoration that only Jesus can provide. This act of surrender is not a one-time event but a continual process of allowing Jesus to work in and through us, shaping us into His likeness. [30:31]

Isaiah 64:8 (ESV): "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Reflection: What broken area of your life can you surrender to Jesus today, trusting Him to create something beautiful from it?


Day 5: Living Under Jesus' Lordship
We are challenged to live as if Jesus is truly Lord, allowing His authority to influence our behavior, words, and interactions with others. This involves surrendering areas of our lives where we have withheld obedience and embracing His transformative power. Living under Jesus' lordship means aligning our lives with His teachings and allowing His presence to guide our decisions and actions. It is a daily commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly, trusting in His wisdom and love to lead us. [33:38]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can more fully submit to Jesus' lordship today?

Quotes



And so it was common for a king to symbolize conquest of another kingdom by putting their foot on a defeated ruler's neck. Now Psalm 110, it is a prophecy and it's declaring the Messiah would rule at the right hand of God. And this is a metaphor that symbolizes power until he overwhelmed his enemies by putting his foot on their necks. [00:11:45] (23 seconds)


In the New Testament, you can see it. Jesus says it here in Mark 12. Peter says it in Acts 2. Remember the story, if you don't, I'll briefly share it, when the disciples, after Jesus ascended into heaven, they were praying and seeking the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus' disciples in an upper room. [00:12:48] (18 seconds)


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. Do you see this? All right, so now let me just give you a little touch of this one. Let's look at the very last verse that we read there. [00:14:14] (20 seconds)


The writer of Hebrews does this in Hebrews chapter 1 verse 13, because he was reaching out to a community of Jewish people that had become Christians, and the Qumran community, you can read all about that. They had this weird view on almost like angel worship, like they were exalting this figure. [00:15:44] (21 seconds)


to take the seat of power at the right hand of God the Father, that he would be victorious over sin and death, and that he would have his foot to the neck of all of those things that he defeated as he is exalted as Messiah, Lord, and King. This is a prophecy that is fulfilled because of Jesus. [00:16:41] (19 seconds)


So we don't toss out the Old Testament. And Jesus shows us in this passage that the Old Testament, the words are anointed by the Holy Spirit, that they are Scripture, that the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Old Testament. So that means that it is, in the canon, it is the Bible, that we don't discredit that, we don't downplay it, that we see Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. [00:17:54] (25 seconds)


And so we see it clearly there in the Old Testament that David's words are inspired by the Holy Spirit. And let me tell you what inspired doesn't mean. I want us to be really clear on this, okay? When we talk about God -inspiring Scripture. Inspired doesn't mean that they were moved to write pretty words. [00:19:50] (21 seconds)


And Jesus had to be the son of God so that his death would pay for our sins. And if he wasn't both, we would still be found guilty and in judgment. We would have no hope, none. It had to be this way. This was God's plan, that he would be fully God and fully man and give his life to ransom us from our sins. [00:28:24] (23 seconds)


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Transcript
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