What Jesus Did! 'David's Son' — Luke 20:41-44

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

[After a failed attempt by the teachers of religious law to trap him,] Jesus presented them with a question. "Why is it," he asked, "that the Messiah is said to be the son of David? For David himself wrote in the book of Psalms:
'The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.'

"Since David called the Messiah 'Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?"

— Luke 20:41-44 NLT

Key Thought

As Jesus' opponents repeatedly tried to "trip him up" with their religious questioning, Jesus here turned the tables on them again and asked them a question. As a descendant of King David, Jesus could claim to be David's son. But, as Jesus pointed out, using their own means of interpretation, David also called the Messiah his Lord! How could this be so? Of course Jesus was not taking part in religious banter; he was trying to jolt them out of their steadfast desire to get rid of him and open their eyes to see who it was that chose to walk among them - Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of David, and the Son of God.

Today's Prayer

Father, I do believe that Jesus is my Lord, my Messiah and Christ, my Savior, and my King. Forgive me for not living out that faith with more passion and more character. Empower me with your Spirit to become more like Jesus each day. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 2:22-24, 31-33
  • Acts 10:36
  • Romans 14:9

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 20:41-44 NLT — "Why is it,"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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