What does "The Lord said to my Lord" reveal about Jesus' authority? Setting the Stage Psalm 110:1: “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” Why Two “Lords”? • “The LORD” (YHWH) is God the Father, the covenant God of Israel. • “my Lord” (Adonai) is someone David himself recognizes as his own sovereign. • Since no merely human descendant outranks David, the verse points beyond any earthly king to the Messiah, written “by the Holy Spirit” (Mark 12:36). Jesus Uses the Verse • Matthew 22:41-45; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44—Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 to show the Messiah is both David’s Son and David’s Lord. • By applying the verse to Himself, Jesus claims the divine position described. Authority at the Father’s Right Hand • Being seated at God’s right hand is the place of supreme honor and intimate fellowship (Ephesians 1:20-21). • It signals completed redemptive work (Hebrews 1:3) and ongoing rule (Hebrews 10:12-13). Sovereignty Over Every Enemy • “Until I make Your enemies a footstool” pictures absolute triumph—ancient victors placed feet on conquered foes (Joshua 10:24). • 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 applies the same imagery to Christ’s final subduing of every hostile power, including death itself. David’s Son—Yet David’s Lord • Romans 1:3-4—Jesus is David’s descendant according to the flesh but declared Son of God with power. • The verse proves messianic authority that transcends lineage; He is both human King and divine Lord. Priest-King Forever • Psalm 110:4 continues, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” • Hebrews 7:17-25 unites royal and priestly offices in Jesus, showing unrivaled authority to rule and to mediate salvation. Total, Universal Authority • “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). • God “placed all things under His feet” (Ephesians 1:22). • “Every knee will bow… every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:9-11). • Revelation 19:16 proclaims Him “King of kings and Lord of lords.” Implications for Believers • Worship—His exalted position demands wholehearted adoration. • Confidence—no enemy can ultimately prevail against the One at God’s right hand. • Obedience—acknowledging His lordship means submitting every area of life to His rule. • Hope—His promised victory guarantees the final, visible triumph of His kingdom. |
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