Son of David
Sometimes we read the Bible and find teachings that are pretty straightforward and easy to apply. At other times, we need extra help to see the nuance and clues within a text to something big happening beneath the surface. This morning, I hope to shed some light on some things that would probably have been clear to Jews of the first century but maybe not to us. We’re going to read two stories that are often taught separately but function pretty well together.
The first episode is recorded in Mark 10:46-52 and tells about a blind man who sees Jesus more clearly than most. He calls him “Son of David” as he pleads for mercy and healing. “Son of David” was a messianic title; it was one way Jews referred to God’s anointed leader who they believed would come as a conquering king to set up a kingdom like the one ruled by the mighty King David of old. And here comes Jesus into Jerusalem just in time for Passover—the annual Jewish celebration of their ancestors’ freedom from Egyptian slavery. The time was right, Jesus was a known wise man and miracle worker, and all the signs pointed to the arrival of their king.
The second episode continues that build-up as crowds begin to swell, singing and chanting old prophecies and psalms of the coming Savior. Jesus even comes riding on a colt, bringing to their minds the messianic prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Imagine how excited they must have been! Imagine the noisy celebration and the excited expectation of what was about to happen! And then think about how quickly things changed in the days that followed. It’s shocking. But it’s not uncommon. This morning, we’ll consider how we avoid that pitfall of faith that makes us out to be gods more than the true God we claim to serve.
Mark 10:46-11:11, Son of David
0 Comments