Meaning of Matthew 22:43

This verse, spoken by Jesus, directly addresses the theological puzzle of Psalm 110:1, where King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, refers to the Messiah as "Lord." Jesus uses this passage to challenge the understanding of the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were debating his identity and authority. By highlighting David's own acknowledgment of a superior figure, whom David calls "Lord," Jesus is laying the groundwork for his divine nature, demonstrating that the Messiah is not merely a descendant of David but also David's Lord, a concept that transcends typical human lineage and points to a divine relationship. This rhetorical question forces his interlocutors to confront the limitations of their own interpretations, which viewed the Messiah solely through a political or earthly lens, and compels them to consider a more profound, spiritual, and indeed, divine understanding of the coming king.

Context and Background

Jesus is engaged in a series of debates with the religious leaders in Jerusalem during the week leading up to his crucifixion. Following his cleansing of the temple and his parables about the kingdom, the chief priests and elders question his authority. In response, Jesus poses a series of questions, beginning with the one about the Messiah's lineage and divine identity, as recorded in Matthew 22:41-46. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection or the spiritual realm, had just tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus confounded them by demonstrating his knowledge of God as the God of the living, not the dead, and by referencing Moses. Now, turning his attention to the broader group of religious authorities, he poses this question about Psalm 110.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Divine Nature of the Messiah: The central theme is the divinity of the Messiah. David, a revered king and prophet, calls the future Messiah "Lord." This implies a relationship of superiority, meaning the Messiah is not just a human king descended from David but someone of a higher, divine status.
• The Authority of Scripture: Jesus emphasizes that David spoke "by the Spirit," underscoring the divine inspiration behind the Psalms. This highlights the authoritative nature of scripture and Jesus' reliance on it to make his theological points.
• Challenging Human Understanding: The verse challenges the limited, earthly, and political expectations of the Messiah held by many Jewish leaders at the time. Jesus pushes them to consider a messianic figure who transcends human understanding and possesses divine authority.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has profound spiritual significance for believers today. It affirms the deity of Jesus Christ, a foundational tenet of Christianity. Understanding that Jesus is not only the descendant of David but also his Lord means that he holds ultimate authority over all things, including life and death, and over the very lineage from which he came. For individuals, it calls for a recognition of Jesus' supreme Lordship in their lives, demanding not just intellectual assent but a surrendered will and devoted worship. It encourages believers to move beyond superficial understandings of faith and to grapple with the profound mystery of Christ's divine and human nature.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is crucial for understanding the Christological narrative of the Bible. The Old Testament consistently points forward to a coming Messiah, often described in royal and priestly terms, but also with hints of divine identity. Psalm 110 is one of the most significant messianic prophecies, extensively quoted in the New Testament. Jesus' use of it here directly connects his own identity to this ancient prophecy, framing his mission within the grand redemptive plan of God that spans from creation to consummation. It bridges the gap between the Davidic covenant and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in a divine King.

Analogies

Imagine a president of a nation. If a former president, still highly respected, were to refer to the current president not just as "Mr. President" but as "my Commander-in-Chief" or "my Lord," it would immediately signal a unique and elevated relationship, indicating that the current president holds a higher office or authority. Similarly, David, the king, calling the Messiah "Lord" signals a profound, inherent superiority that transcends the earthly king-subject relationship. Another analogy: consider a brilliant scientist who, in a groundbreaking paper, refers to a fundamental law of physics as "her master" or "the ultimate truth." This acknowledges a foundational principle that even the scientist, with all her knowledge, recognizes as superior and governing her own work.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is intricately linked to numerous other biblical passages:

• Psalm 110:1: The verse directly quotes and expounds upon this foundational messianic psalm: "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.'" Jesus' question is a direct challenge to those who deny the implications of this verse.
• Matthew 22:41-42: The preceding verses set the stage, with Jesus asking the Pharisees, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They correctly answer, "David's." Jesus then poses the question that leads to verse 43.
• Luke 20:41-44: Luke records a very similar account of Jesus' interaction with the religious leaders concerning Psalm 110, reinforcing the importance of this teaching.
• Acts 2:34-36: Peter, preaching at Pentecost, also quotes Psalm 110:1 to demonstrate that Jesus has ascended to the right hand of God and has been made both Lord and Christ, further solidifying the messianic and divine claims.
• Hebrews 1:3: The author of Hebrews uses this same concept to highlight the superiority of Jesus, the Son, over the angels, stating that he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
• John 1:1, 14: These verses speak of the Word (Jesus) being with God and being God, and becoming flesh, underscoring his divine nature that predates and transcends his earthly lineage.