(Angels and apostles bowing before Jesus- Nikolai Kharlamov)Thoughts: Peter had already been blessed by Jesus for declaring "You are the messiah (Christ) [the Son of the Living God!]" Mt. 16:13; Mk. 8:29. So when Jesus was talking about the Messiah, he was talking about himself. Jesus was quoting from Psalm 110:1 in which David appeared to call the coming messiah "Lord." Most prophets were called or called themselves "the Son of Man" which emphasizes their humanity. Jesus, as a prophet called himself this. Yet, here Jesus is staking a larger claim. His ministry was climaxing with this claim that he was more than a man, but the lord of even King David, one of the most respected of all the people of God. This is a reminder to us that human pride and human power pale in comparison to the messiah's power. Our day lifts up human wealth, ability, and power- but it fades and is nothing. In the end every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! May as well confess Him now too!
Prayer: You are Lord. I lay all my abilities, my strength, by crowns at your feet today.
John Calvin abridged: Matthew and Luke are clearer that Jesus' words are in response to the scribes' error that the messiah was only of earthly origin. Jesus did not attest directly to himself. However, since the hour of his death was approaching he was bolder in making the claim of his divinity so that people would know they should rely on him. Psalm 110 says that David acknowledges himself as part of his people and subject to the messiah as the sole King. The Christ is not a mere man taken out of the ranks of men, but is the supreme head of the whole Church possessing the majesty of God and ranks higher than angels. We need to remember this passage when the Church is oppressed. Whatever the madness of people, they shall not destroy the kingdom of God which God has set up.
No comments:
Post a Comment