
There are 17 verses in the New Testament that apply “Son of David” to the person of Jesus Christ. Everyone knew that the coming Messiah had to be in the lineage of King David–no question about it.
The promise of the coming, “Son of David” was avidly understood by every Jew. They were waiting and watching for him.
There were roughly 1000 years between King David and Jesus the Messiah, and yet a direct line could be made by the Jewish record-keepers in the Temple. There really was no debate about it, the lineage could be proven by any Jew who wanted to know.
Both Matthew and Luke include this vital information in their respective Gospels. One lists Joseph’s line, and the other Mary’s line. Both were important enough to include in each writing. (And like it or not, so do we.)
It boldly proclaims that Jesus is the long-awaited deliverer born of David’s lineage, entrusted with the monumental task of establishing an everlasting kingdom! The Jewish people grasped this profound truth: the Messiah would arise from the very bloodline of David, fulfilling their deepest hopes and aspirations!
Jesus had the royal authority to establish a kingdom.
Here’s just one example, Mark 10:47. Now there is more here. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,” was quoted several times by sick people directed at Jesus as He ministered. That cry was strongly anchored in their belief in the Davidic kingdom.
They knew and they understood that the Messiah cared for them. (See Psalm 23.) They had a real handle on the scope of the coming Kingdom, knowing that it came for them. They were educated enough to know the essential nature of God’s liberating and healing promises and prophecies.
The “Son of David” has finally come!
“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
Mark 1:15, NLT

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