What Old Testament prophecies connect to Jesus' question in Luke 20:41? Scene in the Temple Courts Jesus has just silenced the Sadducees. The crowds are listening eagerly when He turns the tables and asks His own riddle. Jesus Poses the Puzzle (Luke 20:41-44) “Then Jesus said to them, ‘How can it be said that the Christ is the Son of David? David himself says in the Book of Psalms: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ So David calls Him ‘Lord.’ How then can He be David’s son?” Psalm 110—The Prophecy Jesus Quoted • Psalm 110:1 is the most-quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament. • David, speaking by the Spirit, calls the coming Messiah “my Lord,” placing Him above himself. • The scene is heavenly: the Messiah shares Yahweh’s throne until every enemy is conquered. • By citing this psalm, Jesus highlights both His Davidic ancestry (He is David’s Son) and His divine authority (He is David’s Lord). The Davidic Covenant—A Son on the Throne Forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16) • God promises David a “descendant” who will rule forever. • 2 Samuel 7:13, 16: “I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever… Your throne will be established forever.” • First fulfilled in Solomon, ultimately realized in the Messiah whose reign is eternal. More “Son of David” Promises • Psalm 132:11: “The LORD has sworn to David… ‘One of your descendants I will set upon your throne.’” • Jeremiah 23:5-6: a “righteous Branch” from David who is called “The LORD our Righteousness.” • Ezekiel 34:23-24: the coming Shepherd-King is “My servant David.” Prophecies Hinting at Messiah’s Divine Status • Isaiah 9:6-7: the Child on David’s throne is “Mighty God” and reigns forever. • Isaiah 11:1-5: the Branch from Jesse judges with perfect righteousness—traits reserved for God Himself. • Psalm 2:7-9: the enthroned King is addressed by God as “My Son” and rules the nations. • Micah 5:2: the ruler to be born in Bethlehem has “origins from the days of eternity.” How the Pieces Fit Together • Old Testament prophets clearly anticipate a human descendant of David. • The same texts simultaneously assign titles, roles, and honors that belong only to God. • Jesus’ question forces His listeners to face this blend: the Messiah must be both Davidic and divine. • By entering Jerusalem as “Son of David” (Luke 19:38) and now claiming Psalm 110 for Himself, Jesus openly reveals that He alone fulfills every strand of these prophecies. |
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