‘The
Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’
Matthew 22:44
Matthew 22 [41.] Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, “What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?”
They said to him, “Of David.”
Matthew 22 [43.] He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying,
Matthew 22 [44.] ‘The Lord said to my Lord,
sit on my right hand,
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?’
Matthew 22 [45.] “If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?”
Matthew 22 [46.] No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.
Matthew 23 [1.] Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat. All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do. For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. But all their works they do to be seen by men.
Meaning:
This verse is part of a larger exchange between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time, specifically the Pharisees, who were trying to test him and trap him in his words. Jesus responds to their questions with a question of his own, quoting from Psalm 110:1.
- Divine Authority:
In quoting Psalm 110:1, Jesus is not only affirming the authority of the Old Testament scriptures but also asserting his own divinity. By referring to David's declaration, "The Lord said to my Lord," Jesus is implying that there is a distinction between God the Father (the Lord) and himself (my Lord), indicating his divine identity.
- Messiahship:
The verse alludes to the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 110:1, where the LORD (Yahweh) addresses the Messiah, affirming his exalted position and authority. Jesus, by quoting this passage, is subtly claiming to be the promised Messiah, the one whom God has appointed to rule and reign.
- Eschatological Victory:
The imagery of sitting at the right hand of God and making enemies a footstool for one's feet conveys the idea of ultimate triumph and victory. In Jewish thought, sitting at the right hand of God symbolizes a position of honor, authority, and power. Jesus is proclaiming that he will reign victorious over his enemies, ultimately fulfilling God's purposes and establishing his kingdom.
- Challenge to the Pharisees:
By posing this question to the Pharisees, Jesus is challenging their understanding of the Messiah and his identity. He is inviting them to reconsider their preconceived notions and recognize him as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Significance:
Matthew 22:44 serves as a reminder of Jesus' divine authority, his role as the promised Messiah, and his ultimate victory over sin, death, and evil. It reinforces our confidence in Jesus as the exalted Lord and Savior who reigns alongside the Father and invites us to align our lives with his kingdom purposes.
Cross References:
Hebrews 1:13: "But which of the angels has he told at any time, 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?'" This verse from Hebrews echoes the language of Psalm 110:1 and underscores the exalted status and authority of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:34-35: "For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, references Psalm 110:1 to proclaim Jesus as both Lord and Christ, affirming his exalted status and divine authority.
In summary, Matthew 22:44 is a profound statement by Jesus affirming his divine authority, messiahship, and ultimate victory over his enemies. It challenges the understanding of the religious leaders and invites believers to recognize and submit to Jesus as the exalted Lord and Savior.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible