41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”
“The son of David,” they replied.
43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.”’
45 If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” 46 No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Having silenced the crowds – astonishing all with His Words – the Lord Jesus now takes the offense posing questions to His adversaries ending up silencing them yet again. They had questioned Him one after another regarding the law and now He puts a question to them about the Promise. He seeks to solicit their views regarding the coming Christ. Many are so full of the works of the law that they seem to forget the Savior. Some think demeaning thoughts of Him, while others harsh and still others do not think of Him at all. Yet for those who do, for those who dwell on His compassion and love our thoughts remain joyfully precious of Him. Christ rules by the force of love and the energy of all goodness and mercy. Peter rightly states:
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)
“He who stands today representing the interests of His people is very God of very God, to whom every knee shall bow. Happy are we who belong to such a Shepherd, whose humanity communes with us, and whose divinity protects us. Let us worship and bow down before Him as the people of His pasture.” Charles H. Spurgeon
Being well trained in the law, these Pharisees were all too aware that the Messiah’s lineage would come through King David therefore the question Jesus posed was an easy one for them to answer. Yet the Lord here presents a difficulty with their response for which they could not easily solve. Many who are puffed up with knowledge - when called on to confirm Truth - ashamedly show their ignorance. The Lord’s reply was not meant to ensnare them rather instruct them. Christ then quotes the verse from the Messianic Psalm 110 which showed the Redeemer in His exaltation of Prophet, Priest and King - depicted as siting at the right hand of God subduing His enemies under His feet. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Church at Philippi:
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:9-11 (NIV)
The Prophet Isaiah records God’s solemn oath as well:
22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. 24 They will say of me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’ All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame.” Isaiah 45:22-24 (NIV)
Indeed, the One Who makes known the end from the beginning has stated – “every knee will bow” – whether willingly or forced – even His enemies. We can take that to the bank. Jesus, the Messiah, fully God and fully man – claimed His divinity:
30 “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 (NIV)
Additionally, the Gospel writers repeatedly pointed out the way Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Yet His divinity was most of all demonstrated by His resurrection from the dead and His ascension into Heaven – events witnessed by hundreds. Only a sinless divine Savior could save us – only He could become the perfect and final sacrifice for our sins.