THE DIVINITY AND PREEXISTENCE OF CHRIST
Jesus asked the Jewish leaders this question not to suggest that the Messiah wouldn’t be born into the line of David, but rather to show them that he would be the Son of God. It was a well known doctrine among the Jews that the Messiah would be born into the lineage of David. But they emphasized his human side and missed the divine. Jesus sought to correct their misunderstanding with a question, “Why did David call the Messiah, Lord?” Jesus was teaching them that the Messiah would be both a Son of David and Son of God. He would be born into David’s lineage, but would be greater than David. Thus, David himself would bow to the Messiah as Lord.
Humanly speaking, Jesus was born into the line of David. Both Mary and Joseph were from the line of David and therefore had to return to the Town of David, Bethlehem, for the Roman census. Mary’s line established His human lineage and Joseph’s, His legal one. Yet, as the Son of God, there never was a time that Christ was not. He is the preexistent One, existing before creation because He is Lord of creation. He is God of very God. He is not only greater than David, He is greater than all.
When the Jewish leaders questioned Him saying, “Are you greater than our father, Abraham?” (John 8:53). Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we not only meditate on the wonder of Jesus, but we bow at His feet as our Lord and Savior. For through Him You have saved us and adopted us as Your own children. We praise You and declare our love and loyalty to You afresh this day. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to live for You fully this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.