Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Mark

Mark 
Day 
Day 269

You have made known to me the ways of life "Acts 2:28a"

Day 269 – Mark 12

TIME FOR JESUS TO ASK QUESTIONS

The opponents of Jesus raised questions to Him. Public teaching in the ancient days involved this element. The audience is allowed to raise up any question and the teacher would have to come up with an answer on the spot. If he faltered and failed to give good answers, His teaching ministry would seriously suffer!

On the same token, the teacher was also allowed to raise questions to His audience. This was one of the methods Jesus employed in His public teaching ministry.

“Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple,
‘How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?’
MARK 12:35

Jesus singled out the scribes because these were known as the religious scholars of the day. Their theological opinions held sway over all Israel.

1. Bringing up the subject of “the Christ” (The Messiah)

Jesus wanted to highlight this issue, because of its high relevance to the here and now!

2. Scribal teaching on this subject

a) The Christ is “the Son of David”.

b) How may this phrase be understood?
i) It acknowledges the Messiah as one coming from the line of David.
ii) In its strict sense, the son of David is therefore lesser than his ancestor.

c) Jesus knew well that the scribes did not have a high opinion of Him.
i) They refused to attach significance to the title often given to Jesus as “the Son of David”.
ii) The scribes were prepared to lower the theological significance if this phrase was ascribed to Jesus as the Messianic Son of David
iii) Very subtly and dangerously, the scribes undermined the Scriptures

3. Jesus had to confront the scribes on this issue

Much was at stake. He did not take this in a personal, vindictive manner. But truth must be taught in all its absoluteness. Salvation was at stake! Too much was at risk when people chose to twist the truth according to their personal fancies!