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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 20:37 mean?

Explanation

Luke 20:37 speaks to Jesus’ teaching on the resurrection.

In a conversation with the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection of the dead, Jesus refers to the writings of Moses in an event known as "the burning bush" incident (Exodus 3:1-6) to argue that the dead are raised.

Jesus cites the moment when God reveals Himself to Moses as "the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." His argument is that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him, implying that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were alive to God, therefore, attesting the reality of the resurrection.

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Historical Context

Luke 20:37 is situated within the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament. This exchange occurs during the Passion Week, the final week of Jesus' life before His crucifixion.

The context involves a series of challenges to Jesus’ authority by different Jewish religious groups.

The Sadducees, a sect that did not believe in resurrection or an afterlife, question Jesus, hoping to trap Him with a question about marriage at the resurrection.

Jesus' response to the Sadducees seeks to correct their misunderstanding of the resurrection and the nature of the eternal life.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints recognize this verse as a significant affirmation of the doctrine of the resurrection.

From a conservative Christian perspective, this passage is seen as Christ's affirmation of life after death and the continuation of existence in the presence of God.

Liberal theologians might focus on the deeper meaning of God being the God of the living, possibly interpreting it more metaphorically, focusing on the legacy or ongoing impact that individuals like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have on the living.

In either case, this verse underlines the idea that God's relationship with individuals transcends physical death.

Practical Applications

One practical application from Luke 20:37 is the encouragement it gives to believe in life after death, providing hope and comfort to those who are mourning the passing of loved ones.

It can also serve as a reminder for individuals to live a life reflective of eternal values, knowing that their relationship with God continues beyond their earthly existence.

This belief can influence moral and ethical decisions, community involvement, and personal conduct.

Cross-References

Exodus 3:6: Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

Mark 12:26-27: And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
Matthew 22:32: I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the use of "ἐγέρσιν" (egersin) corresponds to "raising" or "resurrection," and is a key word in this passage.

It carries the connotation of being raised up or standing up again, asserting the active power of God in resurrecting the dead.

The naming of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, serves to emphasize the personal and relational nature of God, not simply a deity of a distant past but of an everlasting present.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, there were various beliefs about the afterlife.

For example, the Egyptians believed in a complex afterlife where the soul would undergo judgment.

There was also a widespread belief in the Greek world of an Underworld.

The notion of resurrection, however, particularly as a bodily resurrection, is rather unique to Judaism and Christianity, differing significantly from these other cultural beliefs which often viewed the afterlife as a shadowy or lesser existence.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of resurrection deals with questions beyond the scope of empirical science.

Science operates within the framework of natural explanations and observable phenomena, while resurrection is a supernatural event claimed by religious faith.

As such, it remains outside the realm of what science can examine or confirm, presenting a belief that is accepted by faith amongst believers rather than through the scientific method.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations on Luke 20:37:

John Calvin notes that Jesus skillfully uses the tense of the verb to argue that these patriarchs are living to God, which implies resurrection.
William Barclay emphasizes the revolutionary nature of Jesus’ teaching, as it confronted the Sadducees’ disbelief in the resurrection.
The Pulpit Commentary points out the significant doctrinal implications of Jesus’ reminder about God being exclusively associated with life, and consequently, the resurrection.
Many modern commentators see this passage as a foundational text for the Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead and the continuation of life beyond death.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:37 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 20:37 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?