Luke 20 -

Table of Contents

The Authority of Jesus Questioned (Luke 20:1–8)

In Luke 20:1–8, Jesus is teaching and preaching the gospel in the temple courts when the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders confront Him, demanding, “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things. Who gave you this authority?” This question stems from Jesus’ recent actions, particularly His cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:45–46), where He drove out merchants, declaring the temple a house of prayer rather than a “den of robbers” (Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11). The religious leaders, likely profiting from temple commerce, challenge Jesus’ right to disrupt their established practices.

Jesus responds with a counter-question: “Tell me, John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” This places the leaders in a dilemma. Acknowledging John the Baptist’s divine authority would validate Jesus, as John testified to Him as the Messiah (John 1:29–34). Denying it would risk the crowd’s wrath, as many believed John was a prophet. Unable to commit, they claim ignorance, and Jesus refuses to answer their question directly. This exchange highlights Jesus’ wisdom and exposes the leaders’ insincerity, setting the stage for further confrontations.

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:9–19)

A Story of Rejection and Judgment

Jesus follows with the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:9–19), a powerful allegory addressing the religious leaders’ rejection of God’s messengers. In the parable, a man plants a vineyard and leases it to tenants, expecting a share of the harvest. When he sends servants to collect, the tenants beat them and send them away empty-handed. Finally, the owner sends his beloved son, believing the tenants will respect him. Instead, they kill him, hoping to seize the inheritance.

The imagery is rich with Old Testament symbolism. The vineyard represents Israel, a common metaphor (Isaiah 5:1–7). The owner is God, the tenants are the religious leaders, the servants are the prophets, and the son is Jesus. The parable foretells Jesus’ death at the hands of those entrusted with leading God’s people. When Jesus asks, “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?” He answers, “He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others” (Luke 20:16). The crowd responds, “God forbid!” indicating the shocking nature of this judgment.

The Question of Paying Taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:20–26)

A Trap Set by Spies

Frustrated by Jesus’ parable, the scribes and chief priests send spies posing as sincere inquirers to trap Him. They ask, “Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Luke 20:22). This question is politically charged. If Jesus opposes the tax, He risks Roman accusations of insurrection. If He supports it, He may alienate the Jewish crowd resentful of Roman rule. The spies preface their question with flattery: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in truth” (Luke 20:21), attempting to lower His guard.

Jesus’ Brilliant Response

Jesus perceives their deceit and requests a denarius, a Roman coin. He asks, “Whose image and inscription are on it?” They reply, “Caesar’s.” Jesus responds, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Luke 20:25). This answer is masterful. By acknowledging the coin’s image, Jesus affirms the reality of Roman authority without endorsing it spiritually. Simultaneously, He prioritizes devotion to God, whose image humans bear (Genesis 1:27). The spies are silenced, unable to twist His words into an accusation.

The Sadducees and the Question of Resurrection (Luke 20:27–40)

A Theological Challenge

The Sadducees, who deny the resurrection (Acts 23:8), approach Jesus with a hypothetical scenario based on the Levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5–10). They describe a woman married to seven brothers, each dying childless. They ask, “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” (Luke 20:33), aiming to ridicule the concept of resurrection by highlighting its apparent absurdity in their scenario.

Jesus’ Correction and Affirmation

Jesus dismantles their argument by explaining that the resurrection life differs fundamentally from earthly life: “Those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels” (Luke 20:35–36). Marriage, a temporal institution, does not exist in the eternal state, rendering their question irrelevant.

To affirm the resurrection, Jesus cites Exodus 3:6, where God says, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” He emphasizes the present tense: “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive” (Luke 20:38). Since the Sadducees accept only the Pentateuch, Jesus uses their own scriptures to prove the patriarchs’ continued existence, implying resurrection. Some teachers of the law commend His answer, and the Sadducees cease questioning Him.

Jesus Questions the Scribes About the Messiah (Luke 20:41–44)

Jesus turns the tables by posing a question to the scribes: “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David?” He quotes Psalm 110:1: “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” Jesus asks, “David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” (Luke 20:44). This challenges the scribes’ limited view of the Messiah as merely a political descendant of David. Jesus asserts His divine identity, as the Messiah is both David’s son (human) and Lord (divine), fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law (Luke 20:45–47)

Jesus concludes by warning His disciples about the scribes’ hypocrisy. They love public recognition, long robes, reserved seats in synagogues, and exploiting widows while making a show of lengthy prayers. Jesus declares, “Such men will be punished most severely” (Luke 20:47). This critique connects to the parable of the tenants, highlighting the leaders’ failure to steward God’s truth faithfully. It also sets up the contrast in Luke 21:1–4, where a poor widow’s humble offering exemplifies true devotion.

Key Themes and Applications

Divine Authority and Human Accountability: Jesus’ authority as the Son of God calls believers to submit to His lordship.
The Cornerstone of Faith: Jesus as the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22) is the foundation of faith, determining eternal destiny.
Balancing Duties: Christians must honor earthly authorities while prioritizing devotion to God.
Hope in Resurrection: The resurrection offers hope for eternal life, shaping how believers live today.
Avoiding Hypocrisy: Authentic faith requires humility and sincerity, not pride or exploitation.

Historical and Cultural Context

Luke 20 occurs during the Passion Week in the temple’s Court of the Gentiles. The Sanhedrin, comprising chief priests, scribes, and elders, held significant influence. Their opposition to Jesus stemmed from His disruption of temple commerce and authority. Roman occupation added political tension, as the leaders balanced Jewish expectations and Roman demands.

Cross-References

Parallels: Matthew 21:23–22:46; Mark 11:27–12:37.
Old Testament: Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 5:1–7; Exodus 3:6.
New Testament: Romans 13:1–7; 1 Corinthians 15:20–28.

Conclusion

Luke 20 reveals Jesus’ authority, wisdom, and call to faithful living. Through parables and teachings, He challenges hypocrisy, affirms resurrection, and invites all to build on Him as the cornerstone. Believers are called to live with integrity, hope, and devotion to God’s kingdom.