What We Think We Need
Years ago, a boy in a hospital was granted a wish from a charity. He could’ve asked for anything—a game console, a trip, a famous athlete. But he asked for his dad to come back home. What he wanted wasn’t a toy—it was restoration. That’s the problem with our desires: they often miss the deepest need.
In Mark 12:35–37, Jesus turns a theological discussion into a spiritual diagnosis. “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?” He asks. Yes, Messiah would be David’s son—but not only his son. He would be David’s Lord. The promise of a King was true, but their interpretation was far too small.
Historical Context
The religious leaders in Jesus’ day clung tightly to 2 Samuel 7:12–13, where God promises David,
“I will raise up your offspring after you… and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”
But their hope was for national victory—someone to defeat Rome, not sin. They wanted crowns, not crosses.
Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1—“The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand…”—to show that David himself knew this Messiah would be greater than a mere earthly son. The problem wasn’t the promise—it was their expectation.
Swords vs. Nails
The people wanted a King with a sword in his hand, not nails in his hands.
But beloved, what we WANT is so often NOT what we NEED.
As John Piper said,
“The Jews expected a political Messiah, but Jesus offered Himself as a sin-bearing, wrath-absorbing Savior.”
(“Jesus Is the Christ,” 1981)
Like them, we too are tempted to craft a custom Jesus—one who suits our plans but not one who bows us low in worship.
Theological Depth: The Righteous Branch
Jeremiah 23:5–6 anticipates the right Messiah:
“I will raise up for David a righteous Branch… and this is the name by which He will be called: The LORD is our righteousness.”
This Jesus does not merely reign over circumstances—He reigns over hearts. He is not a regional ruler. He is righteousness itself.
Puritan Wisdom
John Owen reminds us:
“A Christ of God’s making is far more beautiful than a Christ of our own.”
(The Glory of Christ, 1684)
Let that settle in. Jesus doesn’t come to fit your life plan. He is the plan.
Personal Application: Expectations Exposed
Are you trying to reduce Jesus to your expectations?
Do you want a helper when you’re weak, a therapist when you’re sad, a friend on-call—but not a King who commands your life?
Take a moment this week:
? Write down one way you expect Jesus to serve you, rather than you serving Him.
Then pray:
“Lord, help me receive You not as I imagine You, but as You truly are—David’s Lord, my righteousness, my King.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are more than I expected, more than I deserve. Forgive me for wanting a comfortable Savior instead of a crucified King. Help me to bow, not barter. Teach me to serve You, not summon You. Let my heart echo David’s: “The LORD said to my Lord…” May You reign over all I am. Amen.