What does Luke 20:44 mean?
ESV: David thus calls him Lord, so how is he his son?”
NIV: David calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?'
NASB: Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord,’ and so how is He his son?'
CSB: David calls him 'Lord.' How, then, can the Messiah be his son? "
NLT: Since David called the Messiah ‘Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?'
KJV: David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
NKJV: Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?”
Verse Commentary:
While Jesus teaches on the Temple Mount, various groups of religious leaders attempt to discredit His authority and His teaching. Each attempt fails miserably. Once they all admit defeat, Jesus presents His own riddle regarding Psalm 110:1. Scripture says that the Christ will be a descendant of David: his "son" (2 Samuel 7:12–13). So why does David call this same figure "Lord" (Luke 20:41–43)? David is implying that the Christ must be greater than himself.
There's an interesting application in Jesus' discussion. At that time, the Jews understood the Messiah to be a military leader who would rescue the people from Roman rule and make Israel independent again. David fits this image as he spent most of his life protecting the Israelites from the Philistines and other peoples. David's "son" could be expected to do likewise. But Jesus points out the Messiah is greater than this Davidic representation.
In the New Testament, speakers and writers often used part of an Old Testament passage to represent a larger part, much like how we might quote a line from a movie to infer the tone of the scene. Jesus' emphasis is on Psalm 110:1, wherein David recognizes an authority besides YHWH. In Psalm 110:4, however, YHWH identifies this figure as "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." The Messiah is more than a warrior-king; he is a priest-king. The Jews had no priest-kings; priests were from the tribe of Levi and kings were from the tribe of Judah.
And yet, the Old Testament mentions one priest-king: Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18–20). Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, thereby submitting all his descendants, including the Davidic line of kings and the Levitical priesthood, to this priest-king (Hebrews 7:4–10). Psalm 110:4 identifies David's authority as above even Abraham and his priesthood above the descendants of Aaron.
Hebrews explains why the Messiah must be greater than the Levitical priests. The Levitical priests are fallen and even the most pious cannot offer sufficient sacrifices for the people's sins. Only a "high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" can perform the sacrifices we need (Hebrews 7:26). Only David's adōni (Psalm 110:1) and Adōnai (Psalm 110:5) can be king and priest; only He can save the people politically and spiritually (Hebrews 7).
Jesus isn't just showing His theological prowess at the expense of the Pharisees. He's foreshadowing the meaning of His death.
Verse Context:
Luke 20:41–44 describes how Jesus shut down religious leaders challenging His authority in front of a crowd at the temple. Jesus fills their silence with His own riddle: if David calls the Messiah—his descendant—"Lord," who really has the authority? The parallel passage in the mirrored arrangement of this chapter is Jesus showing He has authority as the Son of God (Luke 20:9–18). Next, Jesus claims the scribes' lifestyle proves they don't deserve the authority to teach (Luke 20:45–47). Jesus' question to the religious leaders is also in Matthew 22:41–46 and Mark 12:35–37.
Chapter Summary:
After His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus find Himself in conflict with the city's religious leaders. Elders, priests, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees all attempt to discredit Him. This comes mostly in challenging Jesus with trick questions. Jesus deftly handles those challenges without falling into the trap. He provides several teachings about His role as the Son of God and directly warns the Jewish people against their generation of scribes, who are arrogant and pretentious.
Chapter Context:
Luke 20 is a chiasm about authority. Jesus has entered Jerusalem and cleansed the temple (Luke 19:28–46). Now, the priests and teachers attack Jesus' authority in religion, law, and doctrine; Jesus defends Himself and shows their sinful lifestyles disqualify them for authority. After holding up a widow as a better role model (Luke 21:1–4), Jesus warns His disciples about the challenges they will face in the coming years, including the destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:5–38). The events in Luke 20 are also discussed in Matthew 21—23 and Mark 11—12.
Book Summary:
Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.
Accessed 5/2/2024 5:43:33 AM
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