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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 20:40 mean?

Explanation

Luke 20:40 speaks to the culmination of a series of exchanges between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time, the scribes and the Sadducees.

These groups had been questioning Jesus, trying to trap Him in His words or find some charge against Him.

In the preceding passages, Jesus had deftly answered their questions about the authority behind His teaching, His views on paying taxes to Caesar, and the resurrection of the dead.

In each case, Jesus displayed wisdom that silenced His challengers.

The statement "And after that they durst not ask him any question at all" implies that Jesus’ opponents were so thoroughly outwitted that they feared further humiliation and thus refrained from asking more questions.

The verse conveys a literal cessation of this dialogue and also a deeper acknowledgment of Jesus' unrivaled authority and wisdom.

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Historical Context

Luke 20:40 occurs during the time of Jesus' ministry, specifically as He was teaching in Jerusalem during the week leading up to His crucifixion.

The religious leaders, including the Sadducees, Pharisees, and scribes, frequently challenged Jesus to undermine His influence among the people and to find reasons to arrest Him. Their questions were often a form of entrapment rather than genuine inquiries.

The social and political environment was tense, as Roman occupation imposed its authority and the Jewish leaders sought to maintain their religious control.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, one might consider this verse as illustrating the omniscience and divine wisdom of Jesus, attributes that Christian doctrine assigns to Him.

This event also portrays a messianic fulfillment, where Jesus surpasses the understanding of the religious leaders, confirming His role as teacher and prophet.

Different denominations acknowledge varying implications of this encounter.

Some see it as a victory over legalism and rigid religious practices, while others may find it to reflect the futility of human wisdom in the face of divine truth.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can serve as a lesson on the value of humility in discourse and the acknowledgment of one’s limitations.

It encourages individuals to consider the motivations behind their questions and interactions and promotes a reflective attitude, asking whether one seeks truth or attempts to justify preconceived notions.

For Christians, it acts as a reminder to approach Jesus and His teachings with openness and to recognize His authority.

Cross-References

Matthew 22:46: "And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions."
Mark 12:34: "And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.

And no man after that durst ask him any question."

Language Study

The word "durst" from the original Greek text is "etolma," which is a form of "tolmao," meaning "to have the courage” or "to be bold enough." This highlights that the religious leaders no longer had the courage or audacity to question Jesus further, indicating a shift from confrontation to avoidance due to Jesus' demonstrated wisdom.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In a broader religious context, the interaction resembles dialogues in other religious traditions where a profound teacher silences their critics through superior wisdom.

For instance, in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna imparts knowledge that overwhelms Arjuna’s doubts.

Similarly, Socratic dialogues often end with Socrates' interlocutors conceding their inability to answer his profound moral reasoning.

Scientific Perspectives

There isn't a direct scientific correlation to this verse as it deals with historical narrative and interpersonal dynamics.

It could, however, be of interest in the field of psychology, specifically in analyzing the motives and cognitive reactions of the religious leaders in their interactions with Jesus.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have often highlighted this verse as showcasing the remarkable wisdom of Jesus.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that after Jesus’ response to the Sadducees about the resurrection, they were put to silence.

He posits that their conscience told them that they were not acting in good faith.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges adds that the scribes and chief priests, fearing the multitude, refrained from open violence.

These commentaries emphasize the turning point where the opposition recognized the futility of their challenges against Jesus’ wisdom.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:40 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 20:40 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?