Luke 20:40-44

Just like the sacrificial Passover lamb, Jesus is being inspected for any blemish the week before the sacrifice. He passes all of the tests thrown at him. 

Jesus turns the questions on those who were trying to trap him. There is a difference between asking questions and questioning God. The first wants answers in humility. The second is accusations flung in pride in the form of a question. 

Jesus is quoting Psalm 110. In Greek it is Lord and my Lord. In Hebrew it says I heard Yahweh say to Adoni. It was agreed that this Psalm was about the coming Messiah. Adoni functioned as a title to God or someone above you in rank. The only one above the King is God so if David, the king, says, “I heard the only one above me say to the only one above me…” who does he mean? God is speaking to himself. Also, no son would ever be considered greater than the father so how could the descendent of David be greater than David. “Son of David” was a known title for the Messiah that Jesus does not refute. God used the genetics of David to come as a descendant of David and save sinners like David. 

Psalm 110 says that the Messiah’s rule will be forever and beautiful. When he executes judgement it will be complete and final and right. It makes sense that the Jews were looking for was a warrior king. How do we match this with our savior coming in peace, riding on a donkey. God loves his creation. He will not crush his creation. 1 Cor 15:24-25 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. He didn’t come to destroy humans but the spiritual things that hold us captive. We are only destroyed by choosing to align ourselves with the things that oppose God. God does not aim destruction at his creation. God isn’t invading other people’s territories and taking what doesn’t belong to him. He is defending what is already his. 

God will destroy what is threatening his creation and he keeps calling his creation out of the line of fire. We choose if we will be swallowed up by God’s wrath or his grace.