THE ROOT OF DAVID

Making His way into Jerusalem one day, the Lord Jesus ‘hungered’, Matt. 21. 18, but found nothing on a nearby fig tree. It proved a suitable symbol of Jewish religiosity - nothing but leaves for the Master. When He arrived at the temple, He was beset by the hierarchy who pressed Him about His authority. His return question stopped them in their tracks.

Jesus told three parables about sons and fathers, setting the stage for the grand finale. The first story had to do with ‘sons’ who at first said ‘No’ to the father, but later responded. They were like the publicans and harlots that would populate the kingdom, He said. The second story told of a father who sent his son to receive the rightful vintage; it cost him his life. The third story was about a king and his son’s impending wedding. Those initially invited made excuses. The seats at the table were then filled with ne’er-do-wells from the byways of life.

The teaching was interrupted by Herodians asking about paying taxes; then Sadducees arguing the resurrection; then Pharisees asking about the greatest commandment. In each case the Lord confounded them. But, as the Pharisees tried to regroup, Jesus asked them a question: ‘What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?’, Matt. 22.42. What Jewish boy didn’t know the answer? ‘The son of David’, they replied confidently - and stepped right into the trap. ‘How then doth David in spirit call him Lord?’ He quoted for them the first sentence of Psalm 110, the most often quoted psalm in the New Testament. It was the question to end all questions, v. 46. Checkmated by the King!

How could David’s son be David’s Lord - both Root and Offspring? There is only one answer. The Babe born in the city of David was the eternal One from whose mighty root the scion of Jesse’s house had sprung. ‘In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious’, Isa. 11. 10. Gentile publicans and prostitutes, gathered from life’s dens and ditches, rally round Judah’s rejected King and find glorious rest. These very ones surround His heavenly throne, Rev. 5. 6, and sing His matchless worth.