The religious leaders attempted to catch Jesus saying something they could use against Him. Nothing succeeded. Then, in Matthew 22:41-46, the Lord decided to give them a lesson. Notice that Jesus dealt with them

“gathered together”—He enjoyed taking His enemies down at their strongest. It’s a good strategy: “The best defense is a good offense.” He asked, “What do you think about the Christ?” This classroom passage presents three things to consider. First, Jesus is God—“’Whose Son is He?’ They said to Him, ‘The Son of David.’” (v. 42) He used their own term for the Messiah. “The Son of David” was the common messianic title in Jesus’ day. Jesus was clearly declaring His deity. Does this matter? It matters a lot; He is not just another human leader. Whatever you do or don’t do with Jesus, you are dealing with God. Let me give you a lesson in preaching and teaching. When you share Scripture, the overall scope and sense of the verse is very important, yet the very words and phrases used are significant, as well. The Holy Spirit chose them to express something! Second, Jesus is King—“The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” (v. 44) He rules! Jesus is Lord whether I like it or not. In one of my Sunday School classrooms, there was a poster of a huge Great Dane looking down at a tiny Chihuahua who is looking up at it. The caption reads: “Authority exists even if you choose to ignore it.” Third, Jesus is Judge—“Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” (v. 44b) Who are Jesus’ enemies? Satan and his angels; nonbelievers who reject Him; and even believers sometimes act as enemies regarding their service as Christians. Everyone is either a friend of Jesus or will become His footstool. How did the religious leaders do with the test? What was the result? Verse 46 states, “No one was able to answer Him a word.”

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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