“While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.”’[h]
37 David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight.” Mark 12.35-37
After reading this passage a few times, I was stumped. So I found a commentary to help me understand the question from this Scripture — “Who is David referring to when he, by the Holy Spirit declares – “The Lord said to my Lord…”
This commentator writes: “The Hebrew of Psalm 110:1 reads as follows, “The LORD [YHWH] says to my Lord [Adonai].” So we have a psalm by David about YHWH speaking to David’s Lord. Who is this Lord of David? In Mark 12:37, Jesus observed that “David himself calls him Lord,” in reference to the Messiah (Psalm 110:1). Jesus then asks a question, “So how is he his son?” In other words, how is the Messiah the son of David? Now Jesus does not provide us with the answer. At least what is written here in Mark 12 is rhetorical. The answer is implied.”
In addition, “If David speaks of YHWH speaking to David’s “Lord,” and this Lord is the Messiah, then the Messiah is greater than David. The Messiah is more than David’s son. The Messiah is also God’s Son. Thus, Jesus is teaching Trinitarian theology in Mark 12.” (https://knowingscripture.com/articles/the-spirit-anointed-messiah-mark-12-35-37).”
I believe Jesus is raising the question of “Who is the Messiah?” to his listeners and suggesting that he could be that Messiah. Jesus is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God, the Word made flesh, who was with God from the beginning and is now seated in heaven. In this passage, Jesus is helping the Jews understand that the Messiah is not merely a human descendant of David but is greater than David—he is the Son of God.
For us, this means that Jesus is the answer to our salvation. He fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament and is now seated at the right hand of God. Our response should be to receive him as Savior and Lord, to live for him, love him, and proclaim his goodness. Without knowing and receiving Jesus, our lives lack meaning. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
Today is the day of salvation, and Jesus is expanding our understanding of who the Messiah is. Will we believe, trust, and confess our sins, receiving him as our Lord?
“O Lord God, you are good. When my love fails, your love remains steadfast. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me know that you are good and that you are God. Deliver me from evil, free me from temptation. Strengthen me by your Spirit and fill me with your grace. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.