What does "Blessed is He who comes" signify in Matthew 23:39? Setting the Scene • Matthew 23 closes Jesus’ public ministry with solemn woes upon Israel’s religious leaders (vv. 13-36) and a lament for Jerusalem (vv. 37-38). • The climactic statement follows: “For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ” (Matthew 23:39). • By using a line from Psalm 118 — a Messianic pilgrimage psalm sung at Passover — Jesus ties His departure and future return to Israel’s recognition of Him as Messiah. The Phrase in Its Original Psalm • Psalm 118:26: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.” • In temple liturgy the priests welcomed arriving worshipers with this blessing. • The psalm fore-shadows the ultimate “Coming One,” Israel’s promised King (cf. Psalm 118:22-23). Jesus’ Earlier Reception • At the triumphal entry, crowds cried, “Hosanna… Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9). • Yet only days later leaders rejected Him, proving the nation’s welcome was shallow and incomplete (Matthew 27:22-23). What “Blessed is He who comes” Signifies • A future, genuine acknowledgment of Jesus’ Messianic identity by Israel as a whole. • National repentance and faith, reversing the leaders’ rejection (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:25-27). • The spiritual condition prerequisite for Jesus’ visible return to Jerusalem (Acts 3:19-21). • Fulfillment of covenant promises: restoration of David’s throne and kingdom blessings foretold by prophets (Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6). • Assurance that God’s plan for Israel is delayed, not cancelled; the temple (“your house”) lies desolate only “until” the welcome occurs (Matthew 23:38-39). Connections to Jesus’ Return • Luke records the same wording (Luke 13:35), underscoring its importance. • Revelation pictures the moment: “Every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him” (Revelation 1:7). • Zechariah 14:4-9 describes Messiah’s feet standing on the Mount of Olives, followed by worldwide recognition of the LORD as King. Key Takeaways • Jesus ties His second coming to Israel’s heartfelt cry, “Blessed is He who comes.” • The phrase encapsulates repentance, faith, and joyful welcome of the rightful King. • God’s timetable moves forward; the Church proclaims the gospel to provoke Israel to jealousy (Romans 11:14), knowing a day is set when the nation will greet her Messiah in these very words. |
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