MARK 12:35–37
THE QUESTION ABOUT DAVID’S SON
Text – Mark 12:35–37
35 As Jesus was teaching in the temple area, he said, “How do the scribes claim that the Messiah is the son of David?
36 David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.”’
37 David himself calls him ‘Lord’; so how is he his son?” The great crowd heard this with delight.
Introduction
After answering all questions from His opponents, Jesus poses one of His own—one that exposes the limited understanding of the scribes regarding the Messiah’s true identity. They rightly called the Messiah the “Son of David,” recognizing His royal lineage, but failed to grasp that the Messiah would be far greater than David himself. By quoting Psalm 110:1, Jesus reveals that the Messiah is not merely David’s descendant but his Lord, the divine Son who shares God’s authority and glory. This short yet profound teaching affirms Jesus’ divine nature and His eternal kingship, delighting the crowd who recognize the authority and wisdom of His words.
Historical and Jewish Context
The title “Son of David” was deeply rooted in Jewish messianic expectation, based on God’s promise to David that his throne would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16). Many Jews anticipated a political deliverer who would restore Israel’s independence and power. Jesus challenges this narrow view by pointing to Psalm 110, a psalm used in royal enthronement ceremonies and universally attributed to David. In it, David speaks prophetically of a figure greater than himself—“The Lord said to my Lord.” The first “Lord” (YHWH) refers to God, while the second (“my Lord”) refers to the Messiah. Jesus’ question—“How can He be his son if David calls Him Lord?”—forces His listeners to confront the divine mystery of the Messiah: both descendant and Lord, human and divine.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage unveils one of the earliest scriptural affirmations of Christ’s divinity. Jesus, the promised Son of David, is also the eternal Son of God. Theologically, He unites the two natures—divine and human—in one person (CCC 464–469). The “right hand of God” symbolizes divine authority, fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection and ascension (Ephesians 1:20–22). The Church proclaims this truth in the Creed: “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” The delight of the crowd reflects the joy of those who hear truth revealed by the Spirit rather than bound by human interpretation. The psalm Jesus quotes is also messianic prophecy fulfilled in Him—He is the eternal King and High Priest (Hebrews 7:17), whose reign is not of earthly power but of eternal salvation.
Parallels in Scripture
Psalm 110:1 – “The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2 Samuel 7:12–16 – God’s covenant promise to David of an everlasting kingdom.
Luke 1:32–33 – The angel announces that Jesus will receive “the throne of David.”
Acts 2:34–36 – Peter proclaims that Jesus fulfills Psalm 110 through His resurrection.
Philippians 2:9–11 – “Every knee shall bend, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Key Terms
Son of David – Title expressing the Messiah’s royal and human lineage.
Lord – Title of divine authority and eternal kingship.
Right Hand of God – Symbol of power, glory, and victory over all enemies.
Messiah – The Anointed One, both divine Son and Davidic heir.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during Ordinary Time and on feasts that honor Christ’s kingship and divinity. The psalm Jesus quotes (Psalm 110) is frequently used in the Liturgy of the Hours and in Mass, affirming that Christ reigns eternally at the Father’s right hand. During the Feast of Christ the King, this passage underscores that Jesus’ kingdom transcends all earthly powers and that His authority comes directly from God.
Conclusion
Jesus’ question to the scribes reveals the full identity of the Messiah: He is not only the Son of David but the Lord of all creation. The mystery of His person unites heaven and earth, time and eternity, humanity and divinity. The crowd’s delight reflects the joy of those who recognize the truth of God revealed in Christ.
Reflection
Do I truly recognize Jesus not only as my Savior but also as my Lord and King? Faith requires seeing beyond human expectations to the divine reality of who Christ is—the eternal Son enthroned at the right hand of the Father.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Son of David and Lord of all, open my eyes to see the fullness of Your glory. May I honor You not only with my lips but with my life. Reign in my heart as King of love, and make me a witness to Your truth and majesty in the world. Amen.