What God Really Requires

Jesus always wants to get to the heart of a matter. In the gospels, he consistently pricks people’s pride and urges humility, honesty and integrity. He hates hypocrisy and regularly exposes it. One of the ways he does this is to ask questions that get to the heart of what he wants people to believe and do. So his question here (44) is aimed at getting to the heart of what his mission was all about and who he really is. The Messiah is one who will be enthroned until there is victory over all who opposed him. He will be exalted and those who have not followed his way will be judged. This Messiah is not merely a son (and thereby inferior) but Lord—he will share the very throne of God. Psalm 110 is crucial for seeing how Jesus is God and human—Israel’s promised Messiah.

Matthew tells us that the religious leaders had no response to this question (Matt. 22:46). Jesus then issues a startling warning of the great danger of those who value outward show and social status rather than humility and service to others. This may be especially true for those in church leadership. How these people relate to others will indicate how they see their role—servant leadership or using their position as an excuse to exercise power or to build up personal reputation? All who have abilities, not least those in ministry, should see themselves as exercising stewardship from God, so there is no room for boasting and boosting themselves. If Jesus is Lord (41–44), there is no place for pride. Those who boast should boast in the Lord (1 Cor. 1:31).

The more special we make ourselves, the less special God becomes. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? How are you making God special?