What does Matthew 22:42 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 22:42 poses a critical question that Jesus Christ asks the Pharisees, "What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?" Here, “Christ” refers to the Messiah, an anticipated figure of deliverance in Jewish tradition.

The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, promptly answer that Christ is "The Son of David." This response reflects the prevalent Jewish expectation that the Messiah would be a direct descendant of King David, in line with Old Testament prophecies.

However, the deeper meaning is implied in the following verses where Jesus questions how David could call the Messiah 'Lord' if the Messiah was merely his son.

This is an invitation to understand the dual nature of the Messiah – both human and divine.

The Pharisees are being challenged to reconsider their conceptions and recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, who surpasses the traditional expectations of a solely earthly king.

Historical Context

At the time of this verse, the Jewish people were under Roman occupation, longing for a Messiah to liberate them.

The belief in a Davidic Messiah was rooted in Old Testament prophecies such as those in 2 Samuel 7:12-14 and Isaiah 9:7, which predicted a powerful ruler from David's lineage.

The Pharisees and many Jews were expecting a political and military leader.

However, Jesus, throughout the Gospel of Matthew, presents a different picture of the Messiah, one that fulfills spiritual and eternal purposes rather than just political liberation.

This confrontation occurs in the temple courts, after Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he engages with the religious leaders in a series of debates.

Theological Insights

Various theological perspectives can be drawn from this verse:

• Traditional Jewish Perspective: Jews would hold that the Messiah has not yet come and would affirm the idea of a Davidic Messiah without ascribing divinity to him.
• Christian Orthodox Perspective: The dialogue points to the recognition of Jesus as the true Messiah, fully divine and fully human, fulfilling the line of David not just through lineage but also through his divine nature.
• Islamic Perspective: While Islam regards Jesus as a prophet, it does not acknowledge him as the Messiah in the same way Christianity does.

The question of his lineage is considered differently.

• Liberal Christian Perspective: Some might interpret this conversation metaphorically, emphasizing the ideals Jesus represented rather than focusing on his messianic lineage.

Practical Applications

Believers can draw several life applications from this verse:

• It encourages individuals to examine their preconceptions and be open to greater spiritual truths.
• The verse can inspire a deeper study of Jesus' identity, leading to a more profound faith commitment.
• It also demonstrates the importance of understanding scripture within its context rather than taking a simplistic or traditional view.

Cross-References

• Psalm 110:1: "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
• Isaiah 9:7: "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

• 2 Samuel 7:12-14: "And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom."
• Romans 1:3: "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;"

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text are:

• "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos) meaning "Anointed One," the Greek equivalent of "Messiah."
• "Son" (υἱός, huios) a term denoting filial relationship and often used metaphorically for the nature and essence of a person's relationship.

Examining the semantics of these terms enriches the understanding of Jesus as both the anointed king in the line of David and the divine Son of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient myths, the concept of a demi-god or a person with a dual nature is common, such as Hercules in Greek mythology.

However, in these stories, the heroes often have flaws, unlike the perfection ascribed to Jesus in Christian theology.

The Jewish expectation of a Messiah also holds unique significance among religious interpretations because it involves a complex interplay of both divine intervention and human lineage.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse doesn't directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it deals more with theological considerations than empirical ones.

However, the question of lineage underscores the importance of genealogical studies, which are supported by scientific research in genetics and anthropology.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights into this verse:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that the Pharisees were stumped by Jesus' question about the Messiah's lordship and neglected the evidence of Jesus' divine origin.
• William Barclay's Daily Study Bible: Notes that Jesus is making it clear that the conventional view of the Messiah is too limited.
• John Calvin's Commentary: Highlights the blindness and ignorance of the Pharisees in recognizing the scriptures that point to Jesus’ divine sonship.
• The MacArthur Bible Commentary: Emphasizes Jesus' question as an indictment of the spiritual leaders' failure to understand the full identity of the Messiah.