…Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:
…“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
…“Sit at my right hand
…until I make your enemies
…a footstool for your feet.”’
…David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
— Luke 20:41-44
Jesus had many ways of saying seemingly outrageous things about himself. He said he was the Lord of the Sabbath, so he could decide what he would or would not do on the Sabbath. He let people bow down at his feet and worship him. He forgave people their sins. He let them use names for him that were reserved for God. One must conclude he was either a completely deluded person or a charlatan. Or he really was who he claimed to be. There are no other alternatives.
He was and is the Lord of King David, and, more than that, Lord of heaven and earth. This idea completely turned every expectation of Messiah upside down. People were looking for David’s successor; they were not expecting David’s Lord.
Jesus humbled himself and took a lowly spot, even though he is Lord of all. This is the paradox of Jesus. He will wash feet but he commands obedience. He forgives but also confronts. He assumed the shame of crucifixion but rose again in glory. This is a different kind of lordship than we’d ever expect from anyone possessing power and authority.
Ponder This: If Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, how does that make you look at the world differently?
