Clever Question
Opening Prayer
Great and good Lord, I want to learn from Your Word today. May Your Holy Spirit teach me, I pray.
Read Mark 12:35-40
[35] 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? [36] 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.”‘ [37] David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight. [38] As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, [39] and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. [40] They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
Why did Jesus warn against the teachers of the Law?Is Jesus being playful here at the expense of the teachers of the Law? Certainly, the crowd loved it (37)! He presents them with a theological riddle from Psalm 110:1. If the Christ they are expecting is to be the son of David (35), how can David call his son “Lord”? It’s almost as though, once again, he throws down the challenge: “Tell me!” (11:30). In reality, however, this is not just a case of Jesus teasing the teachers. There are serious issues at stake, and not just about the identity of Jesus and the Christ. Jesus highlights these by warning the people about the teachers of the Law. Can you picture the kind of people Jesus was criticizing (38-40)? It wasn’t just that they were proud; they were dishonest, taking more than their fair share from the estates of the widows they had promised to look after (40a). In criticizing the teachers, Jesus was at the same time defending the poor and weak (see Luke 1:52,53). Jesus’ warning wasn’t just for the people who were listening, it was for the teachers themselves (40b). Is there a warning here for us, too?
Apply
How can you help defend the poor and weak? Do you need Jesus to defend you? Pray for his help.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, You’re the help and defender of all who need You and call on You. I’m so thankful for that.
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