MARK 12:35-40

MARK 12:35-40

MARK 12:35-40 - It is a matter of common knowledge in Israel, taught by the scribes and rabbis generally, that the Messiah would be a Son of David, in accordance with God’s promise to the psalmist-king that he should never want a man to sit upon his throne (1 Kings 2:4; Ps. 132:11). It is true that this promise depended upon the seed of David walking in obedience to the Word of the Lord, but an unconditional promise had also been made, as set forth in Psalm 89:1–4, 34–37. That the teachers in Israel were right, therefore, in declaring that Christ, that is, Messiah (the Anointed), was to be the Son of David, is clear. But there were other scriptures indicating that He would be also the Son of God, which they were ignoring.  

So Jesus challenged them by drawing their attention to Psalm 110, and asking for an explanation, “How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord (Jehovah) said to my Lord (Adonai), Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.” He proceeded to elucidate this passage by pointing out that it was the Messiah of whom David had spoken, and whom he acknowledged as his Lord, a divine Person who was to sit on the throne of the Eternal—on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Jesus is both Son of David as to His humanity, and Son of God as to His divine nature; and as begotten in the womb of the virgin, without a human father. The whole mystery of the incarnation is wrapped up in this quotation from the psalm. 

  “Beware of the scribes.” They loved to be conspicuous and to be lauded and admired for their apparent piety. Their very garb marked them out as a special class presumably worthy of recognition such as others did not merit. They appeared in long clothing, and were pleased when they were the objects of the adulation of the common people. They loved the chief seats in the synagogues, and the best places at the feasts. Who can fail to see in all this, the pretentiousness of clericalism and the assumption that these scribes were worthy of particular recognition because of their office, whatever their lives might be? 

   For they were grasping and covetous, devouring widows’ houses—that is, lending money on mortgage to needy widows and confiscating their property when their poor victims were unable to meet promptly their obligations. Yet all was done legally, so as to put them above the charge of fraud, and they covered their extortionate behavior by making long prayers in public places, thus maintaining an appearance of great piety.

But a reckoning day is coming when all the secret things of the heart will be brought to light, and hypocrites such as these will receive just retribution.