Inquiry:
Was Jesus the Son of David? Several texts say He was (Acts 2:30; 13:23; Romans 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:8; Revelation 22:16), but Matthew 22:45 and Mark 12:35-37 say He was not. Is there a contradiction?
Response:
That the first list of verses call Jesus the Son of David is evident, so we need not speak on those. Let us focus our time on the texts which the questioner says are in the negative on the thought of Jesus being the Son of David.
First, it should be noted that in Matthew 22:42, the Pharisees plainly declare of the Christ that He is the Son of David. Jesus does not tell them that they are wrong, but presents an enigma to them. How can it be that the Christ is the Son of David (as noted in the verses listed above), and at the same time, David refers to Him as his ‘Lord’? Both Matthew 22:46 and Mark 12:34 indicate that the Pharisees were not able to answer His question and dared not to question Him any further.
So, what is the answer to this paradox presented by the Lord? He was the Son of David, for He came from the lineage of David. If we follow Jesus’ genealogy, we will eventually find David, king of Israel. And yet as David spoke as a prophet about the Messiah, who would be his own offspring, and referred to Him as “Lord” (Psalm 110:1). This word means master or ruler, it is an acknowledgement of authority.
He is both the fruit of David’s flesh, and the Lord or master who David and all the people of Israel looked for.
There is no contradiction.
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