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Luke 20

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

Last of all the woman died also.

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

What does Luke 20:1 mean?

Explanation

Luke 20:1 describes an event during Jesus' ministry where he is teaching and preaching to the people in the temple.

On this particular day, he faces opposition from Jewish religious authorities, namely, the chief priests, scribes, and elders.

They confront Jesus, which sets the stage for a series of challenges and questions aimed at discrediting him.

This verse contains several layers: the literal event of teaching, the challenge by religious authorities, and the symbolic significance of the location (the temple) where this confrontation occurs.

In a deeper context, it suggests the increasing tension between Jesus and the Jewish hierarchy leading up to his crucifixion.

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Historical Context

The historical setting of this event occurs in the temple of Jerusalem during the week preceding Jesus' crucifixion.

This period, known as the Passion Week, is a time when Jesus' teaching became more direct and confrontational regarding the religious practices of the day.

The Jewish authorities were wary of Jesus because of his growing influence among the people and his challenges to their authority and interpretations of the Law of Moses.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse highlights the authority of Jesus as a teacher and his role as the Messiah.

His preaching in the temple, the heart of Jewish religious life, signifies his challenge to institutionalized religion and calls for a return to true faith and worship.

Different denominations interpret the significance and the confrontation differently, emphasizing various aspects such as Jesus' role as a reformer, his divine authority, or his prophetic fulfillment.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 20:1 urges believers to remain steadfast in their convictions even when facing opposition from established authorities.

It inspires faithfulness to the truth of the gospel and encourages followers of Jesus to prioritize scriptural teaching over tradition.

It also challenges individuals to examine the integrity of their religious leaders and their alignment with scriptural principles.

Cross-References

Matthew 21:23: "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?"
Mark 11:27-28: "And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there came to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?"
John 2:18: "Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?"

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of Luke 20:1 such as "chief priests" (ἀρχιερεῖς, archiereis) and "scribes" (γραμματεῖς, grammateis) are titles referring to high-ranking members of the Jewish religious leadership.

The term "elders" (πρεσβύτεροι, presbyteroi) typically refers to respected leaders within the Jewish community. These titles reflect the hierarchy and influence of the Jewish religious institutions at the time.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse with other ancient religious texts, the confrontation between religious protagonists and established authorities is a common motif.

Such conflict serves to highlight the protagonist's role as a reformer or revolutionary figure challenging the status quo.

Similar themes can be observed in other religious movements within and outside the Jewish tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspectives on this verse would generally focus on anthropological and sociological understanding of religious leadership and sect dynamics during Jesus' time, as there are no specific scientific claims or ideas directly in the text.

The study of these elements can provide insights into the social structures and power dynamics at play during the confrontation described in the verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Luke 20:1.

Some focus on the legal and rhetorical strategies used by the Jewish authorities to trap Jesus, while others emphasize his sovereignty and wisdom in handling confrontation.

Commentators also analyze the crowd's reaction, as Jesus' popularity with the people was seen as a threat by the religious leaders. This passage is critical in understanding the narrative leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 20:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?