What is the meaning of Luke 20:42? For David himself says David, the revered king of Israel, is speaking here—yet Jesus treats David’s words as more than royal poetry. They are Spirit-inspired prophecy (2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16). By pointing to David, Jesus affirms that the coming Messiah was already anticipated centuries earlier, and that even David looked forward to Someone greater than himself (Acts 2:29-31). in the book of Psalms Jesus cites Psalm 110, one of the most frequently quoted psalms in the New Testament (Luke 24:44; Acts 13:33). By rooting His argument in Scripture, He shows that His identity is anchored in the written Word, not human opinion. • Psalm 110 was accepted as canonical Scripture in Jesus’ day. • Its royal and priestly themes prepare us to understand Christ as King and Priest (Hebrews 7:17). “The Lord said to my Lord” Here David overhears a divine conversation: • “The Lord” (God the Father) speaks to “my Lord” (the Messiah). David calls the Messiah “my Lord,” placing the coming Christ above himself (Matthew 22:44). • This reveals the Messiah’s divinity and pre-existence (John 1:1; Philippians 2:9-11). • Jesus uses the verse to challenge His listeners: If the Messiah is merely David’s son, why does David call Him “Lord”? Their expected earthly hero is actually the eternal Son of God. “Sit at My right hand” The right hand signifies supreme honor and authority (Ephesians 1:20-22). • After His resurrection, Jesus fulfilled this command, taking His place of exaltation (Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1). • From that position He intercedes for believers and reigns until every enemy is subdued (Acts 7:56; 1 Corinthians 15:25). • For us, His session at God’s right hand guarantees both His completed work of atonement and His ongoing rule over history. summary Luke 20:42 records Jesus quoting Psalm 110 to reveal the Messiah’s true identity. David, speaking by the Spirit, calls the coming Christ “my Lord,” showing that the Messiah is both David’s descendant and David’s sovereign. God invites the Messiah to the place of highest authority, a promise fulfilled in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. The verse assures us that Jesus is fully divine, eternally reigning, and worthy of our wholehearted allegiance. |
    |