Jesus was respected as a rabbi/teacher even though the religious leaders were frightened by His teaching, because it did not support them or their petty power structures. The Pharisees had just asked Jesus a question about the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:34-40). It was then Jesus' turn to question them about who they understood the Messiah to be. By asking "Whose son is he?" Jesus was forcing them to think about His own personal identity.
 
They responded with a standard answer, "He is the son of David". That opened up another question based on Psalm 110:1. If David called the Messiah his 'Lord' how could he also be his 'son'? Jesus underlined the question by confirming that David wrote that Psalm under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The logic was impeccable. The Messiah would be descended from David, but would be David's Lord - superior to Him in every way.
 
The identity of Jesus was a mystery for the religious leaders. The crowds wanted to think of Him as a benign teacher who nobody could fault but the Pharisees did not want to accept His obvious authority and greatly superior wisdom. They did not like being shown up as being ignorant in front of the crowds. All this enraged them more and strengthened their desire to get rid of Him.
 
The big question for today continues to be "Who is Jesus?" If He is just a teacher, guru or good man, most people would find Him acceptable - one wise man amongst so many. But that is not His identity. He is the Lord of heaven and earth, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the only Saviour of the world, the appointed Judge of all people and King of heaven. He is the Lord. It is on that basis that He came to earth, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven and one day will come again when His lordship will never be denied (Philippians 2:9-11). So, worship Him afresh today, pledge to honour and obey Him, accept the responsibility of proclaiming His lordship to friends and colleagues. Trust Him to guide, provide and decide the best way for your life until you meet Him.