How can we apply Jesus' question in Matthew 22:43 to defend our faith? Setting the Scene • Matthew 22 finds Jesus publicly questioned by religious leaders. • He answers their traps, then turns the tables with His own question. • Matthew 22:43: “Jesus said to them, ‘How then does David in the Spirit call Him “Lord”?’” The Question in Focus • Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 to prove the Messiah is more than David’s descendant—He is David’s Lord. • “David in the Spirit” confirms divine inspiration; Psalm 110 is not opinion but God-breathed fact. • By a single question, Jesus: – Affirms Scripture’s authority. – Demonstrates fulfilled prophecy. – Uses sound reasoning to expose error. Key Truths Uncovered • Scripture interprets Scripture. (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34-36) • Inspiration is verbal and complete. (2 Timothy 3:16) • Prophecy validates Jesus’ identity. (Luke 24:44) • Reasoned questions uncover hearts. (Proverbs 20:5; Mark 11:29-30) How This Equips Us to Defend the Faith Today • Appeal to the same inspired Word Jesus trusted. • Highlight fulfilled prophecy as objective evidence. • Use respectful questions that invite others to examine presuppositions. • Emphasize that Scripture is consistent, unified, and self-authenticating. Practical Steps for Everyday Conversations 1. Start with Scripture: open the Bible, read aloud, let God speak first. 2. Ask clarifying questions: “How do you explain David calling his descendant ‘Lord’?” 3. Point to fulfilled prophecy: list passages that came true in Christ. 4. Connect to the gospel: Messiah is both Son of David and Son of God, our Savior. 5. Invite personal response: “What do you do with a Lord who fulfills centuries-old prophecy?” Scripture Cross-References to Keep Ready • Psalm 110:1 – the prophecy itself. • Acts 2:34-36 – Peter applies Psalm 110 to Jesus. • Hebrews 1:13 & 10:12-13 – the writer echoes the same verse. • Isaiah 9:6-7 – Messiah’s divine nature foretold. • Micah 5:2 – birthplace prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. Closing Takeaways • Jesus modeled defending truth by anchoring every claim in God’s inspired Word. • One well-placed question can dismantle error and open eyes to Christ. • When we handle Scripture with the same confidence Jesus did, we stand on unshakable ground. |
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