In Matthew 22 How Does Understanding Jesus As The Messiah Impact Our Faith And Relationship With Him?
Understanding Jesus as the Messiah in Matthew 22: Impact on Faith and Relationship
Matthew 22 is a pivotal chapter where Jesus is confronted by various religious leaders who question His authority and identity. The climax comes when Jesus turns the tables and poses a question about the Messiah’s identity, quoting Psalm 110. This profound moment is not merely theological; it shapes how believers understand, trust, and relate to Jesus.
Jesus’ Question: “Whose Son is the Christ?”
After answering the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians, Jesus asks:
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I put thine enemies underneath thy feet? If David then calleth him Lord, how is he his son? - Matthew 22:41-45 ASV
Here, Jesus affirms the Messiah is not just David’s descendant, but also David’s Lord—implying a divine status for the Messiah. This declaration challenges the prevailing view that the Messiah would be a mere human ruler.
The Messiah: Fully God and Fully Man
In this interaction, Jesus connects two key Old Testament truths about the Messiah:
- Human lineage (Son of David): The Messiah would come from David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-13 ASV).
- Divine authority (David calls Him Lord): The Messiah would be greater than David, sharing God’s throne (Psalm 110:1 ASV).
By applying this to Himself, Jesus claims to be both the promised King and God incarnate. This is echoed throughout the New Testament:
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth. - John 1:14 ASV
Impact on Our Faith
Understanding Jesus as both God and Messiah deepens our faith in several ways:
- Assurance of Salvation: Only a sinless, divine Savior could fully atone for humanity’s sin (2 Corinthians 5:21 ASV). Our faith rests not in a mere teacher, but in the Son of God who has the authority to forgive sins.
- Confidence in His Promises: The Messiah’s words carry divine authority. We can trust every promise He makes (John 14:6 ASV).
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Ground for Worship: Recognizing Jesus as Lord and Messiah leads us to worship Him fully, as seen in Thomas’s confession:
Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. - John 20:28 ASV
Impact on Our Relationship with Jesus
Knowing Jesus as Messiah transforms how we relate to Him:
- Personal relationship: We approach Him not only as Savior but as Lord. He is worthy of our obedience and love (Matthew 22:37 ASV).
- Security in His Reign: As the victorious Messiah, Jesus reigns over all circumstances. We find peace under His sovereign care (Philippians 2:9-11 ASV).
- Hope for the Future: The Messiah’s kingdom is eternal. Our hope is anchored in His ultimate victory and return (Revelation 19:16 ASV).
Conclusion
Matthew 22 challenges us to see Jesus as more than a teacher or prophet; He is the promised Messiah—both God and man. This truth is foundational for saving faith, genuine worship, and a secure relationship with Christ. As we grasp who Jesus truly is, our trust deepens, our worship becomes richer, and our hope grows more certain.