Text: Mark 12:36
“David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.’”
? Hook: Who’s Really in Charge?
Years ago, I heard a story of a young lieutenant barking orders at a fellow soldier, unaware the man was a decorated general in plain clothes. The lieutenant later discovered the man outranked him by far. Red-faced and humbled, he saluted quickly. Why? Because the uniform didn’t tell the full story.
Sometimes, Jesus looks like a humble servant. But step back—He’s the Sovereign King seated at the right hand of God.
? Historical Context: Psalm 110 – A Royal Proclamation
Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1, a psalm revered in Jewish tradition as Messianic—pointing forward to God’s Anointed King. But He adds something more:
“David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared…”
Here, Jesus affirms both the authorship and inspiration of Scripture. David, under divine revelation, foresaw a Messiah greater than himself—his “Lord.”
This would have shocked His listeners. In ancient culture, a father never called his son “Lord.” Authority flowed down the family line. So Jesus was pressing the question:
“If the Messiah is just David’s son, why would David call him Lord?”
Answer: Because the Messiah is not only David’s son—He is David’s Lord.
? Theological Truth: Jesus—Exalted at God’s Right Hand
To be seated at the right hand is to share in divine rule and eternal majesty.
Jonathan Edwards explained:
“Christ’s exaltation to God’s right hand imports the possession of the highest honor and dignity.” (Sermon on Psalm 110:1, 1738)
Likewise, Hebrews 1:3 says:
“After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Jesus reigns now—not just one day. He already holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
As Martin Lloyd-Jones put it:
“The glory of the gospel is that the One who died for us now reigns over us.”
? Personal Application: Lord of All—or Not Lord at All?
Voddie Baucham warned:
“He is not a Savior you can have on your own terms. He is King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Expository Apologetics, 2015)
So ask yourself:
- Do I treat Jesus as the exalted Lord—or merely a useful Savior?
- Is there any area of my life where I’ve said, “You can save me, but don’t rule me”?
- What would it look like today to place my money, my relationships, my time—under His throne?
? Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are not only David’s Son—you are David’s Lord.
You are not just my Redeemer—you are my Ruler.
Forgive me for shrinking You to a role I can control.
Teach me to worship You as the One seated at the right hand of the Father,
with all enemies—even my sin—under Your feet.
Reign in every room of my life.
Amen.
? Takeaway Task:
Today, make a “Throne Check” list.
Write down 3 areas where you struggle to let Christ rule (e.g., time, speech, attitude, secret habits).
Surrender each to Him in prayer.
Because David’s Lord must be your Lord—or He is no Lord at all.