Luke 20:43 – “Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is quoting Psalm 110:1, where God (the Father) speaks to the Messiah (referred to as “my Lord” by David). The imagery of making enemies a “footstool” symbolizes complete victory and total authority over one’s enemies. In ancient times, a victorious king or conqueror would symbolically place his feet on the neck of his defeated enemies as a sign of dominance and triumph.

Jesus highlights this verse to show that the Messiah’s mission involves not just earthly rule, but spiritual victory. His authority would extend beyond any human king’s, and His victory would include defeating sin, death, and the forces of evil. By pointing to this prophecy, Jesus is revealing that the Messiah’s ultimate mission is to conquer everything that opposes God’s plan for salvation.

Historical Context

The phrase “footstool for your feet” was a common symbol in ancient cultures. Kings and military leaders often used this image to demonstrate their power over defeated enemies. In the Old Testament, God promised His people that He would give them victory over their enemies if they remained faithful to Him (Deuteronomy 33:29).

By the time of Jesus, many Jews were expecting the Messiah to fulfill this prophecy by defeating their earthly enemies, particularly the Roman Empire. They believed the Messiah would be a political and military leader who would restore Israel’s independence. However, Jesus redefines what this victory means. His mission was not to defeat political enemies, but to bring victory over the ultimate enemies of humanity—sin, death, and Satan.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important theological truths:

1. The Messiah’s ultimate victory: The prophecy in Psalm 110 points to the Messiah’s complete triumph over all His enemies. This victory was accomplished through Jesus’ death and resurrection, where He defeated the power of sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
2. Spiritual, not just political, victory: While the Jews expected a Messiah who would overthrow earthly rulers, Jesus came to accomplish a much greater victory. His enemies are not just political figures, but spiritual forces—sin, death, and Satan. His victory secures eternal life for those who believe in Him.
3. God’s sovereign plan: The verse emphasizes that God is in control and that the Messiah’s victory is part of His plan. God Himself will bring all enemies under the Messiah’s feet, showing His ultimate authority over history and creation.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of Jesus’ teaching on the identity of the Messiah, and it is carefully chosen to highlight both the Messiah’s authority and the unfolding of God’s plan. The phrase “until I make your enemies a footstool” suggests that the Messiah’s victory is guaranteed but will happen in God’s timing.

The use of military and royal imagery reflects the Jewish understanding of kingship but also foreshadows the spiritual nature of Jesus’ victory. The fact that Jesus quotes this verse during a debate with the religious leaders demonstrates His wisdom and deep understanding of Scripture. He is challenging them to see the Messiah as more than just a political figure.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 110:1 – The original prophecy that Jesus quotes, describing the Messiah’s authority and victory.
• 1 Corinthians 15:24-27 – Paul explains that Christ must reign until all His enemies are defeated and placed under His feet.
• Hebrews 10:12-13 – Jesus, after offering the perfect sacrifice for sin, sits at the right hand of God, waiting for His enemies to be made His footstool.
• Colossians 2:15 – Through His death on the cross, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them.
• Revelation 19:11-16 – A vision of Jesus as the victorious King who defeats the forces of evil and reigns forever.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder of the victory that Jesus has already won and the victory that is still to come. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin and death, and we can live in the freedom and hope that His victory provides. However, the final fulfillment of this prophecy will occur when Jesus returns and establishes His eternal kingdom, where all enemies will be fully defeated.

This verse also encourages believers to trust in God’s timing. Just as the Messiah’s victory is certain, but unfolding according to God’s plan, we can trust that God is working in our lives even when we don’t see immediate results. We are called to live in faith, knowing that Jesus’ ultimate victory is secure.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is demonstrated through His promise to defeat the enemies that stand between us and eternal life with Him. Sin, death, and evil are powerful forces that we cannot overcome on our own, but God, in His love, sent Jesus to win that victory on our behalf.

God’s love is also seen in His patience and faithfulness. Even though the full victory is still unfolding, He gives His people hope and assurance through His promises. His love guarantees that one day, all suffering, sin, and death will be eliminated.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is directly connected to Jesus’ role as the Messiah and King. He is the one who sits at the right hand of God, ruling over creation and waiting for the final defeat of all His enemies. His death and resurrection were the decisive moments in this victory, but the complete fulfillment will happen when He returns to establish His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:4).

Jesus’ victory over His enemies also ensures that believers share in His triumph. Through faith in Him, we are freed from the power of sin and death and are promised eternal life (Romans 8:37-39). His authority as King means that nothing can separate us from His love or defeat His purposes for our lives.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus’ enemies will be made a footstool for His feet?
2. How does understanding Jesus’ victory over sin and death give you hope in your daily life?
3. Why is it important to see the Messiah’s victory as spiritual and eternal, rather than just political or temporary?
4. How can you trust God’s timing when it comes to seeing victory in your own life?
5. In what ways can you live with the confidence that Jesus, as the victorious King, is in control of all things?