What is the meaning of Matthew 22:42? “What do you think about the Christ?” • Jesus turns from being questioned to doing the questioning, pressing the Pharisees to face His true identity. • Throughout Scripture, “the Christ” (Messiah) is the One promised to save and rule: – John 1:41: “We have found the Messiah”. – Isaiah 9:6–7 speaks of a divine Child whose government will never end. – Philippians 2:6–11 shows every knee bowing to Jesus as Lord. • The question forces personal response—neutrality is impossible when standing before the promised King. “Whose son is He?” • Lineage matters because God’s covenant promises are precise: – 2 Samuel 7:12–13: God vows that a son of David will sit on an eternal throne. – Isaiah 11:1 foresees “a shoot from the stump of Jesse.” – Romans 1:3–4 affirms Jesus “was descended from David according to the flesh.” • By asking this, Jesus highlights that Messiah is both a real descendant (human) and something more (divine), preparing to reveal truths the Pharisees had missed. “David’s,” they answered. • The Pharisees cite the correct genealogy but stop short of acknowledging the full picture: – Matthew 1:1 opens, “Jesus Christ, the son of David.” – Luke 20:42–44 and Psalm 110:1 record David calling his own son “Lord,” hinting at Messiah’s supremacy. – Acts 2:29–36 shows Peter proclaiming that David’s greater Son is risen, exalted, and pouring out the Spirit. • Their partial answer exposes a limited view—seeing only the earthly lineage while ignoring the prophecies of the Messiah’s deity and eternal reign. summary Jesus’ two-part question unmasks shallow religion and invites a full confession: the Christ is David’s promised Son and David’s sovereign Lord. Scripture unites both truths—His genuine humanity through David and His eternal deity as Lord of all. Recognizing Him in both aspects is the heart of faith and the key to understanding Matthew 22:42. |
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