Matthew 22:41-42

Having received several questions from His critics, Jesus now turned the tables and asked the Pharisees one. He wanted them to explain what the Scriptures taught about Messiah. This would face them and the crowd with who He really was. The real issue was Christological, not taxes, resurrection, or even the greatest commandment.

Jesus broached the subject of Messiah’s identity by asking whose son He was (Matthew 22:42). This was perhaps "the most familiar subject in their theology, that of the descent of Messiah." [Note: Edersheim, The Life . . ., 2:405.] The Pharisees gave a standard correct answer based on Old Testament passages (2 Samuel 7:13-14; Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 11:10; Jeremiah 23:5). He was David’s son or descendant (cf. Matthew 1:1; Matthew 9:27-28; et al.). However it was not the full answer.

Jesus had previously asked His disciples a similar question about His identity (Matthew 16:13; Matthew 16:15). Peter, for the disciples, had given the proper full answer (Matthew 16:16). That response led to commendation (Matthew 16:17-21). The Pharisees’ improper response here led to condemnation (ch. 23). Everything hinges on one’s view of Jesus.