What does Jesus mean by asking, "What think ye of Christ?"

When Jesus asks, “What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?” He is pressing the Pharisees to say what they really believe about the Messiah. They are used to quizzing Him about the law, but now He questions them about God’s promise. Their answer, “The son of David,” is true but incomplete. Jesus is not asking for a quick fact. He is asking them, and us, to face who the Christ really is and whether we see Him only as a man from David’s line or also as Lord.

Why did Jesus ask about Christ being the "son of David"?

Jesus starts with what the Pharisees already accept: that the promised Christ would come from David’s family line. Many passages speak of a ruler from David’s house, so this answer was easy for them. By asking this, Jesus shows He agrees that the Messiah is truly human and really descended from David. But He does not stop there. He uses their own answer to lead into a deeper question: if the Messiah is only David’s son, why does David call Him “my Lord”?

What is the meaning of "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand"?

This line comes from a psalm where David, led by the Spirit, speaks about the Messiah. “The LORD” refers to God speaking, and “my Lord” is the one David calls his own master. To sit at God’s right hand is to share in His honor and rule, a place of highest authority. The promise, “till I make thine enemies thy footstool,” shows that all enemies will be put under this Lord’s feet. Jesus uses this to show that the Christ is not just a man but rules with God.

How can Christ be both David’s son and David’s Lord at the same time?

This is the heart of Jesus’ question. As a man, the Messiah comes from David’s family and is truly his descendant. In that sense He is David’s son. Yet David, speaking by the Spirit, calls Him “my Lord,” which means this same Messiah is above David and rules over him. The only way both can be true is if the Christ is both fully human and truly divine. Jesus is pointing to Himself as the one who is from David’s line in the flesh and yet is also David’s Lord.

Why were the Pharisees unable to answer Jesus’ question here?

The Pharisees could repeat the teaching that the Christ was David’s son, but they were not willing to accept what Scripture also showed, that the Messiah is David’s Lord with divine authority. To admit that would point straight to Jesus. His question exposed the gap in their understanding and in their hearts. Since they would not confess the Messiah’s full identity, they had no answer. Their silence shows they were defeated in argument but not humbled in repentance.

What does this passage teach about who Jesus is?

This passage shows that Jesus is not only a teacher answering hard questions but the Lord who asks the deepest question about Himself. By using David’s words, He shows that the promised Christ is both a real human descendant of David and also David’s Lord who sits at God’s right hand and rules over all enemies. In doing this, Jesus quietly reveals that He Himself fits both truths. He is the promised King from David’s line and at the same time shares God’s rule and honor.

What was happening around Jesus when He asked this question?

This exchange comes after a series of debates where different groups tried to trap Jesus with tricky questions about taxes, resurrection, and the law. Each time, He answered with wisdom that left them embarrassed. While the Pharisees are still gathered, likely planning their next move, Jesus turns the tables. Instead of waiting for another trap, He questions them about the Christ. This marks a turning point, because after this they stop trying to test Him with such questions.

Why did no one dare to ask Jesus any more questions after this?

After Jesus’ question about David calling the Messiah “Lord,” the religious leaders were left without an answer. They had come together in strength, hoping to expose Him, but ended up exposed themselves. Their silence shows they realized they could not out-argue Him. From that day, they did not dare to question Him in this testing way again. Their hearts were not softened, but they were forced to see that matching wits with Him only led to shame.

How does this passage apply to how I think about Jesus today?

This passage invites you to face the same question: “What do you think of Christ?” It is not enough to see Jesus as a good teacher or a great example, just as it was not enough for the Pharisees to say the Messiah was David’s son. You are called to see Him as both truly human and truly Lord, the one at God’s right hand with all authority. That means trusting Him with your life, bowing to His rule, and finding hope in the fact that every enemy of His people will one day be under His feet.