David’s Lord and Mine

The Question That Silenced Them

“If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?” 

Matthew 22:45 (KJV)

Scripture: Luke 20:41–47

During the final week of His life, Jesus turned the tables on the religious leaders who had been interrogating Him. They had asked their questions, and now Jesus asked His: “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is He?” (Matthew 22:42). They replied, “The son of David”—a correct answer, but one that missed the full truth.

Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 to reveal something deeper: David calls the Messiah “Lord.” How can David’s son also be David’s Lord? The implication was staggering—the Messiah would be both human and divine.

Alexander Maclaren writes, “The teachers of Israel had never dreamed of a Messiah who was more than man. They looked for a King of David’s line, but not for one who should sit at the right hand of God.” The religious leaders were silenced—not because they had no words, but because they could not accept who Jesus truly was.

At the same time, Jesus publicly exposed their hypocrisy. “Beware of the scribes,” He warned. “They devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers.” Their religion had become a performance. Matthew Henry observes, “Pride was the darling sin of the scribes and Pharisees, the sin that did most easily beset them.”

William Barclay warns, “There is nothing more dangerous than religion used for personal gain… when outward appearance is everything and the inward life is ignored.”

Lent calls us to answer Jesus’ question anew: Who is He to us? Not just a prophet or teacher—not merely David’s son—but the risen Son of God, seated at the right hand of the Father.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, David called You “Lord”—and so do I. Forgive me for when I live for appearances rather than truth. Create in me a heart of humility, and help me to worship You as the Savior You truly are. Amen.