Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 22:41

"Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question," — Matthew 22:41 (ASV)

Jesus’ question focuses Christology, not on resurrection or taxes—the real issue that turned the authorities into his enemies. The Messiah’s identity according to the Scriptures must be determined. One way to do that is to ask whose son he is. The Pharisees gave the accepted reply: “the son of David” (cf. 2 Samuel 7:13–14; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 9:27–28).