The Question They Couldn't Answer

Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. (Matthew 22:42)

Jesus asked the Pharisees a direct question about the Messiah's identity, and they gave the correct answer without hesitation: “the son of David.” But Jesus followed with a question they could not answer. If the Messiah is David's son, how does David, speaking in the Spirit, call him Lord? A son does not typically outrank his own father. Yet David called the coming Messiah his Lord, not merely his descendant. The Pharisees had nothing to say back to Him, because answering would have meant admitting something that didn’t fit within human family trees.

Jesus really is David's descendant in the flesh, and at the same time, He's David's Lord according to who He is eternally. He's a kinsman and a King at the same time. And that's the very thing that qualifies Him to be Messiah in a way no one else could. A man who was only David's descendant would never be called "Lord" by his own ancestor. The only way both titles can sit on the same person is if that person is also fully God.

This matters practically because it settles how you should relate to Jesus. He is close enough to be your covenant kinsman, someone who shares fully in your humanity and your struggles. But He is also exalted enough to be your Lord, worthy of your full submission and trust. Both truths have to be held together. Neither one on its own gives you the whole picture of who He actually is.

Practical Application

When you pray, you must see and respond to Jesus as both Lord and friend. Never allow one truth to outweigh the other. He deserves honor and glory, and He also wants relationship and connection.

Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34