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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 20:35 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 20:35 is part of a dialogue between Jesus and the Sadducees regarding the resurrection of the dead.

In context, the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, posed a hypothetical question to Jesus about the marital status of a woman in the resurrection, who had been married to seven brothers in succession (as per a Levirate marriage custom).

Jesus responds by pointing out that life in the resurrected world is qualitatively different from the present earthly existence.

The statement signifies that those deemed worthy of the resurrection will not engage in typical earthly institutions like marriage.

The deeper meaning suggests a transcendence of earthly relationships and societal structures, pointing to a greater intimacy with God that supersedes earthly ties.

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Historical Context

Luke 20:35 is set in the context of 1st-century Jewish culture where the Sadducees (a Jewish sect) challenged Jesus with questions to discredit him.

Sadducees were known for their denial of an afterlife, angels, and spirits, which was in contrast to the beliefs of the Pharisees.

They approached Jesus with a case based on the law of Levirate marriage which was a cultural norm of their time, where a widow would marry her late husband's brother to bear a child who could carry on the deceased brother's name.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Luke 20:35 offers insights into Christian eschatology.

Some Christian theologians interpret the verse as indicating a clear separation between earthly life and the afterlife.

Others suggest that relationships do not end but are transformed into a more spiritual communion.

Also, there is the theological notion of 'worthiness', suggesting that resurrection is not universal but conditional based on one's relationship with God.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse may guide believers to prioritize spiritual relationships and values over temporal ones. It would encourage Christians to focus on qualities that would be eternal and transcendent, such as love, kindness, and faithfulness, rather than solely on earthly institutions.

Cross-References

Matthew 22:30 - "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."
1 Corinthians 15:52 - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
Revelation 20:6 - "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term "accounted worthy" comes from the Greek word "καταξιόω" (kat-ax-ee-o'-o) which is a verb that means to deem entirely deserving.

The phrase "to obtain that world" uses the Greek term "αἰών" (aion), often referring to an age or era. In this context, it highlights the concept of a new era or state of existence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The resurrection and the life thereafter have been concepts in various religious beliefs. Ancient Egyptian religion involved an afterlife where earthly actions determined one's fate.

In contrast, Greek mythology had the concept of Elysium, a place of the blessed after death. The transformation from earthly institutions in Christianity has a somewhat unique take on life after death, focusing on a personal transformation and communion with God.

Scientific Perspectives

The notion of life beyond death is fundamentally a spiritual belief and does not have direct scientific evidence. Modern scientific understanding is based on observable phenomena, and thus the concept of resurrection remains outside its purview.

However, some may explore psychological implications of such beliefs and how they influence human behavior and culture.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Luke 20:35.

Some, like John Calvin, suggest that this verse speaks of the celestial state of the blessed that makes earthly practices unnecessary.

Others, including contemporary scholars, might argue that Jesus is pointing to the inadequacy of human categories to fully describe the realities of the world to come.

Some might also focus on the pastoral implications, noting how this teaching comforts those who worry about earthly ties in the afterlife.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:35 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 20:35 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?