Revelation 5:5
And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Centuries before His Incarnation, the Prophet Isaiah declares, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots…And 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 11:1, 10).
At least 10 times in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is referred to as the Son of David. Our Redeemer is the fulfilment of this rich Messianic promise. He is both a biological descendant (Branch) of the royal dynasty of David, but also the spiritual progenitor or originator (Root) of David. Our Lord points out this paradox in Mat 22:45.
Jesus’ status as Son of David alludes to His humanity. The Scriptures explain clearly that our High Priest had to be like us to qualify to save us (see He 2:14). The Bible never denies Jesus’ humanness, but emphasises it. Nobody among all the strong myriads of angelic beings qualified for this eternal position. It had to be a man, a certain man! “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:5).
Beloved, isn’t it awesome that the History of Salvation begins with man on earth’s centre stage (Gen. 1:26-28) and ends with Man on heaven’s centre stage (Rev 5:5)? That paves the way for humanity’s restoration to the place our Creator always intended for us–dominion with Him. Hallelujah!
On the other hand, Jesus’ status as David’s Lord refers to His divinity. The Bible doesn’t hide Jesus’ divinity. Only the One who is Son of God and Son of Man, fully God and fully Man is able to fill this eternal vacancy. Thank God for Jesus Christ!
Note that Scripture says the nations (Gentiles) would put their trust in this human and divine, royal and Jewish Messiah (Isa 11:10). That is the mystery of the Church and Gospel (see 1 Tim 3:16). Have you put your trust in Him, dear friend?
Pastor Josh