This paper investigates the theological and redemptive-historical relationship between the passion and ascension of Christ by focusing on the use of Psalms 2.00 and 24.00 in the Matthean accounts. Recent research has argued that Matthew’s passion narrative alludes to Psalm 2.00 at the crucifixion and to Psalm 24.00 at the triumphal entry. At the same time, recent work has also argued that Psalm 2.00 is best linked with Christ’s enthronement and Psalm 24.00 with his ascension. Christian commentators throughout the centuries have at times linked the psalms to both events. This raises the following questions:
1. Can Psalms 2.00 and 24.00 simultaneously be fulfilled in both the passion and ascension/session?
2. If so, how?
3. Does Matthew give any indication of the solution?
I argue that Matthew’s passion narrative, using covenantal Adamic and Davidic Christology, echoes Psalms 2.00 and 24.00 to reveal their ironic fulfillment in the passion, while also anticipating a greater, positive fulfillment in the ascension and session. I demonstrate this through four steps:
1. Psalms 2.00 and 24.00 are rightly associated with Christ’s ascension and session: exegesis and the history of interpretation support this.
2. Matthew’s passion narrative alludes to these psalms via Jesus’s mock coronation: exegesis and the history of interpretation support this.
3. The evangelist’s appropriation of these psalms is intentionally ironic, which leads readers to look for a greater fulfillment.
This double fulfillment is shaped by Adam and Davidic imagery, whereby Christ in his passion covenantally receives the treatment due to a sinful king and in his ascension receives the glories due to him as the obedient king.