Bible Study series: Mark 12:35-37. Jesus taught this truth in the temple. He was greater than David.
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Let’s begin.
Scripture: Mark 12:35-37
35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “In what sense do the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the Son of David?” 36 David himself said by the Holy Spirit,
‘The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit on my right, until I place your enemies under your feet.’ [Ps. 110:1]
37 David himself called him Lord, so how then is he his son?”
The populace listened to him gladly. (Mark 12:35-37)
Comments:
This is the sixth controversy story out of six. Or some scholars say this is the fifth one, while the next pericope (pronounced pih-RIH-KOH-PEA) is the sixth.
35-37:
Jesus’s main point is clear: He is above David, the exemplar king. Jesus is the Lord.
Here’s the verse in the NIV, and note the capitals in LORD:
The LORD says to my lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.” (Ps. 110:1)
The superscription of this psalm says David composed it. The LORD is Yahweh. In the historical context, the Lord (no capitals) applies to the Messiah. David is the third party listening in to the LORD (Yahweh) calling the Lord “my Lord.” So David is affirming the truth that the Lord is his Lord.
Now let’s explore his Lordship and Kingship more thoroughly.
The right hand or side indicates power. The Greek could be translated as “on my right” (without “hand”). His enemies are placed under his feet indicates that God will vindicate the king by subjugating his Son’s enemies (Strauss, p. 551).
Jesus had a high view of Scripture, because he says David was inspired by the Spirit. We should hold to this belief, too.
During Jesus ministry and long before, the people believed that the Messiah was also called the Son of David.
Here are some data points which I note in the post about God’s covenant with David:
Ps. 89:20-37 says in the context of God’s love and commitment to David that he has anointed him with sacred oil (v. 20); his hand and arm will sustain him (v. 21); the enemy will not get the better of him and not get victory over him (vv. 22-23); God’s love will go so deeply that that God’s love and commitment will sustain him forever (vv. 25-28). God will establish his lineage forever, and his throne will endure as long as the heavens endure (vv. 28-29). This commitment and love for his specially chosen will last forever, even if his sons and descendants should forsake God’s law and violate his decrees, so God would have to punish their sin with flogging and the rod (vv. 30-33). Still, even in those cases, God will not take his love for him and not violate his covenant with his anointed one. His line will continue forever (vv. 34-37).
So God promised to establish and maintain the Davidic dynasty on the throne of Israel and provide her with a godly king like David and through his descendants bring her to rest in the promised land.
It is mentioned to Solomon (1 Kings 2:2-4) and celebrated by him (1 Kings 8:22-26); it is mentioned to King Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:34-36) and reaffirmed during his reign (2 Kings 8:19); it was celebrated by the psalmists (Ps. 89:3; 132:1-12); it was reaffirmed by Isaiah (Is. 9:6-7) and by Ezekiel (Ezek. 37:24-25).
Jesus fulfilled and is fulfilling and always shall fulfill the Davidic covenant, for he is the righteous ruler for whom Israel had been looking or should have been looking.
Luke 1:32 says that Gabriel himself announced that the Lord God will give the Messiah Jesus the throne of David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; “his kingdom will never end.”
Matt. 1:1 and Rom. 1:3 says that Jesus was the Son of David.
John 18:33-37 says that in a dialogue with Pilate Jesus affirmed that his kingdom is not of this world, so his fulfillment of David’s covenant would take place in heaven—for now.
In Acts 13:22-23, 34 Paul preached that Jesus fulfilled the Davidic covenant.
Paul also says that Jesus will hand over his kingdom to his Father when he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power (1 Cor. 15:24-25).
Jesus is called THE KING OF KINGS (Rev. 19:16).
Jesus sits on the throne of David now and will remain there forever, whatever happens to the sun and earth. David will never co-rule on this throne, as if David and Jesus would sit side by side. In heaven David will announce that the KING OF KINGS is the best and most qualified king to sit there, infinitely better than he is.
Before the end, however, Jesus sits on the throne of David in heaven and is watching out for Israel.
The priesthood is said to endure forever, and it does through the great high priest, Jesus. The kingship of David is said to endure forever, and it does through the eternal reign of King Jesus.
Personally, I believe David will kneel before his descendant and Lord and say, “Thank you for fulfilling the covenant God made to me. I was a sinner, but you are the true King and Lord. You sit on the throne by yourself! I submit to you. Thank you, Jesus!”
GrowApp for Mark 12:35-37
1. David called Jesus his Lord. How did Jesus become your Lord? What does his Lordship mean to you today?
RELATED
10. Eyewitness Testimony in Mark’s Gospel
2. Church Fathers and Mark’s Gospel
2. Archaeology and the Synoptic Gospels
14. Similarities among John’s Gospel and the Synoptic Gospels
1. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels: Introduction to Series
SOURCES
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