Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 22:42

"saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, [The son] of David." — Matthew 22:42 (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).