Mark 12:35-37
“While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 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.” ’ David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight.” Mark 12:35-37 NIV
One of the most difficult concepts to grasp in the Christian faith is the person of Jesus Christ. Who was this man? The answer has been vigorously debated for 2,000 years, both outside and inside the church.
The problem is, much of the time, the answers may be partially right, but in the end, incomplete.
For example, outside, most everyone agrees He was an extraordinary individual, we reckon time by His life the calendar itself is divided into BC and AD by the advent of this man.
But, is that it? Was He just a man granted, a man who by His very life, turned the world upside down? A man whose moral character has become a source of inspiration, indeed a role model for people to follow for centuries?
Was He just a man who got swept away in His own revolutionary ideas. ideas that cost His life and the lives of many of His disciples. Ideas which His followers continue to propagate, even today?
So significant was this man’s life that His name has become the object of prayer for millions, and a source of profanity for millions more. You don’t hear people yelling Buddha or Mohammed in fits of profane rage.
Who do you say Jesus is? Ralph Waldo Emerson, not a believer said, Jesus is the most perfect of all the men that have yet appeared on earth.
Napoleon called Jesus, The emperor of love. John Mill, a philosopher, said, Jesus is the guide of humanity. The scientist Lesche said, Jesus is the highest pattern of virtue.
Rennan, a French atheist, said, Jesus is the greatest among the sons of men. David Strauss, a hater of Christianity who denied all of its supernatural claims, said Jesus is, The highest model of religion within the reach of human thought.
Angelina Jolie said about God, There doesn’t need to be a God for me. There’s something in people that’s spiritual, that’s godlike. I also don’t really know if it’s better to just not believe in anything, either.
Brad Pitt said of eternity, I don’t think anyone really knows. You’ll either find out or not, when you get there, until then there’s no point thinking about it.
Emma Thompson said about faith, I regard religion with fear and suspicion. I am offended by some of the things said in the Bible and the Quran, and I refute them.
To take it a step further, Christian Science says Jesus is a man in tune with the Divine Consciousness, not the Christ.
Islam says Jesus is a created being, a prophet, not God. Jehovah’s Witnesses say Jesus is a created being. Mormons say Jesus is a created being, the brother of the devil and of all people.
The church’s confession that Jesus is both truly God and truly man goes right back to the self understanding of the Lord Himself. He proclaimed His humanity and deity, therefore, so must we.
We are not preaching the whole Christ unless we proclaim His true manhood and His true deity. Because He is man, He could atone for the sins of mankind. Because He is God, this atonement can cover all of our sins past, present, and future.
Jesus is our Teacher. He takes great delight in showing us new things. In this passage, Jesus is teaching something about the Messiah, that He is not only a descendent of David, but He is greater than David.
In Hebrew tradition, no son is greater than his father or ancestor, but David refers to one of his own descendants as my Lord. No one in the crowd had ever noticed this before, and people delighted to find something new.
You will be delighted too, as you read the Scriptures and are shown new things that you have never seen before.
These are the treasures of the kingdom, both great and small. The kingdom is as expansive as it is beautiful, and there is always something new and wonderful to see. Jesus, your Teacher, desires be your guide!!!
Father thank You for this day and we find Jesus use of the rabbi's own methods fascinating. We 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. We believe that Jesus teaches, demonstrates, and embodies Your truth. Lord let Your abundant blessings be my friend and family’s portion today. Lord help us as we seek to live that truth. Lord show us that there is always something new for us to see. Lord reveal to us Your truth day by day, so that we can take delight in the treasures of the Kingdom of God. Lord use my friend to be the touch of Your love today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !
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