Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?"
They replied, "He is the son of David."
Jesus responded, "Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah 'my Lord'? For David said,
Since David called the Messiah 'my Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?"
No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
—Matthew 22:41-46 NLT
After Jesus' answer on the "greatest commandment" question, we are brought back to the truth of the situation. The opponents of Jesus aren't really interested in his answers on this important matter. His answers are for us, his disciples; Jesus' opponents don't care to hear the truth of God. They are simply trying to trap him and trick him into a huge mistake. So Jesus' answer in the previous verses stressing the importance of love is saved for us, to help us know what our Savior holds as most important for us to do (Matthew 22:36-40). However, Jesus has no illusions about the hostility he faces in the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law. He knows their plan and their purpose. But Jesus still loves them and longs to confront them with the truth. So he asks a question to baffle the hard hearted. At the same time, his question is designed to speak to the seekers in these hostile groups and ask them to look deeper into his Davidic and Messianic claims and come to his authority emanating from God. The groups that are trying to trap him, of course, are silenced and shamed at being tripped up in their own game. On the other hand, the seekers have a seed that is planted in their hearts and that hopefully will germinate when the spring of faith warms with hope at his resurrection.
Almighty God, I know that no one is like you or worthy of the praise that is due you. I thank you for showing me Jesus, one who took on human flesh and walked the world that I face. Thank you for showing me your grace and strength in the context of my world. I want to live under your authority and according to your will. Seeing you in Jesus helps me know unmistakably that you alone have the authority to offer salvation. Thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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They replied, "He is the son of David."
Jesus responded, "Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah 'my Lord'? For David said,
Since David called the Messiah 'my Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?"
No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
—Matthew 22:41-46 NLT
Key Thought
After Jesus' answer on the "greatest commandment" question, we are brought back to the truth of the situation. The opponents of Jesus aren't really interested in his answers on this important matter. His answers are for us, his disciples; Jesus' opponents don't care to hear the truth of God. They are simply trying to trap him and trick him into a huge mistake. So Jesus' answer in the previous verses stressing the importance of love is saved for us, to help us know what our Savior holds as most important for us to do (Matthew 22:36-40). However, Jesus has no illusions about the hostility he faces in the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law. He knows their plan and their purpose. But Jesus still loves them and longs to confront them with the truth. So he asks a question to baffle the hard hearted. At the same time, his question is designed to speak to the seekers in these hostile groups and ask them to look deeper into his Davidic and Messianic claims and come to his authority emanating from God. The groups that are trying to trap him, of course, are silenced and shamed at being tripped up in their own game. On the other hand, the seekers have a seed that is planted in their hearts and that hopefully will germinate when the spring of faith warms with hope at his resurrection.
Today's Prayer
Almighty God, I know that no one is like you or worthy of the praise that is due you. I thank you for showing me Jesus, one who took on human flesh and walked the world that I face. Thank you for showing me your grace and strength in the context of my world. I want to live under your authority and according to your will. Seeing you in Jesus helps me know unmistakably that you alone have the authority to offer salvation. Thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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