Matthew 22:46 - Whose Son is the Christ?
No one was able to answer a word
This phrase highlights the authority and wisdom of Jesus. In the context of Matthew 22, Jesus had been engaging with the Pharisees and Sadducees, religious leaders who often tried to trap Him with difficult questions. The inability of these learned men to respond underscores Jesus' superior understanding of the Scriptures and His divine insight. This moment reflects the fulfillment of prophecies such as Isaiah 11:2, which speaks of the Spirit of wisdom resting upon the Messiah. It also echoes the wisdom of Solomon, who was known for his unparalleled understanding, yet Jesus is portrayed as greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42).
and from that day on
This phrase indicates a turning point in the interactions between Jesus and the religious leaders. Prior to this, the Pharisees and Sadducees frequently challenged Jesus, attempting to discredit Him. However, after this encounter, they ceased their questioning, recognizing that they could not outwit Him. This marks a shift in their strategy, as they begin to plot more directly against Him, leading to the events of His crucifixion. This change in tactics is a fulfillment of the growing opposition prophesied in passages like Psalm 2:2, where the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed.
no one dared to question Him any further
The use of the word "dared" suggests a recognition of Jesus' authority and the fear of being publicly humiliated or exposed in their lack of understanding. This cessation of questioning can be seen as an acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority, as even His adversaries could not refute His teachings. It also reflects the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 50:4-9, where the Servant of the Lord is depicted as having a tongue of the learned, able to sustain the weary with a word, and not being put to shame. This moment foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over His opponents, culminating in His resurrection and exaltation.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is engaging in a series of debates with the Pharisees and Sadducees, demonstrating His divine wisdom and authority.
2. Pharisees
A religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often challenged Jesus, seeking to trap Him in His words.
3. Sadducees
Another religious sect, often in opposition to the Pharisees, known for their denial of the resurrection and other spiritual beliefs. They also attempted to challenge Jesus.
4. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, a central location for Jewish religious life and the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and confrontations.
5. The Temple
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, much of the teaching and questioning occurred in or around the Temple, a place of significant religious activity.
Teaching Points
The Authority of Jesus
Jesus' wisdom and authority are unmatched. His ability to silence His critics demonstrates His divine nature and understanding. As believers, we can trust in His teachings and authority over our lives.
The Limitations of Human Wisdom
The inability of the Pharisees and Sadducees to answer Jesus highlights the limitations of human wisdom when confronted with divine truth. We should seek God's wisdom through prayer and study of His Word.
The Importance of Humility
The religious leaders' failure to acknowledge Jesus' authority serves as a warning against pride. We must approach God with humility, recognizing our need for His guidance and correction.
The Role of Scripture in Understanding Jesus
Jesus uses Scripture to reveal His identity and mission. We should diligently study the Bible to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Courage in Faith
Jesus' boldness in speaking truth, even when challenged, encourages us to stand firm in our faith and convictions, trusting that God will provide the words and wisdom we need.
Verse 46. - No man was able to answer him a word. They could not confute Christ's arguments; they would not receive and ponder them; so they held their peace. Had they had a real desire to be instructed, they would have profited by the present occasion; coming to the light with honest and good hearts, they would have been enlightened. But this was far from their wish, so they went away empty. Neither durst any man. They perceived that they could gain no advantage over Christ by such methods of attack. Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, had ignominiously succumbed; to make a fresh assault was to court a fresh defeat, Seeing this, they dared no longer tempt him in this way. Henceforward they would use other tactics. Treachery and violence must now play their part. These weapons would be more successful in compassing the destruction of the innocent Victim.
Greek
No one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.
was able
ἐδύνατο (edynato)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.
to answer
ἀποκριθῆναι (apokrithēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.
a word,
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.
[and]
οὐδὲ (oude)
Conjunction
Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.
from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.
that
ἐκείνης (ekeinēs)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.
day [on]
ἡμέρας (hēmeras)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.
[no one]
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.
dared
ἐτόλμησέν (etolmēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5111: To dare, endure, be bold, have courage, make up the mind. From tolma; to venture; by implication, to be courageous.
to question
ἐπερωτῆσαι (eperōtēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.
Him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
[any] further.
οὐκέτι (ouketi)
Adverb
Strong's 3765: No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.
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