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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 20:45 mean?

Explanation

This verse from Luke 20:45 encapsulates a moment when Jesus is teaching, and He addresses the crowd and His disciples to draw attention to a particular issue or to offer a warning.

The specific content of His teaching in this instance is not included in the verse, it serves as an introduction to the warnings that follow in the subsequent verses about the scribes.

The verse indicates that the teaching is public ("in the audience of all the people") and directed primarily at the disciples, suggesting it is of particular importance for them, perhaps as a piece of formative instruction for their future ministry.

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Historical Context

Luke 20:45 occurs as part of a broader narrative where Jesus is challenged by various groups in Jerusalem, especially the religious leaders.

These confrontations occur during the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, often referred to as Passion Week.

The location is the temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish religious life.

This public teaching follows a series of traps set by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes trying to undermine Jesus' authority.

By addressing His disciples in front of the crowd, Jesus publicly distances His teaching from that of the religious authorities, setting the stage for a critique of their practices.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints focus on various aspects of this verse.

From a traditional Christian viewpoint, this verse and the passages that follow are often seen as highlighting the distinction between the outward righteousness of the scribes and the inward righteousness that Jesus teaches.

Some theologians may emphasize Jesus' role as a reformer, who criticizes not the law itself, but the interpretation and application of the law by the religious leaders.

Additionally, discussions on issues of hypocrisy, authority, and the nature of true discipleship often arise from this and the subsequent verses.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied practically by encouraging believers to listen attentively to spiritual leaders while also exercising discernment.

It suggests the importance of humility and integrity among those who teach and lead, and it might encourage individual believers to prioritize inner piety over external appearances.

Furthermore, this teaching can guide people in positions of authority to avoid seeking personal glory and instead prioritize the well-being of those they lead.

Cross-References

Matthew 23:1-36: A similar discussion where Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples regarding the practices of the scribes and Pharisees.
Mark 12:38-40: Mark's account of Jesus' warning against the teachers of the law.
Luke 11:43: "Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets."

Language Study

This verse primarily contains straightforward language.

Critical words in the original Greek text include "audience" (λαῷ), which could be more directly translated as "people" or "nation," and "disciples" (μαθηταῖς), a term often used to designate followers or students of a teacher.

Understanding these words in their original context underscores the public nature of the teaching and the relational dynamic between Jesus and His followers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of ancient Judaism, religious teachers held significant authority.

Comparisons can be drawn with other traditions where leaders might misuse authority, emphasizing the universal applicability of Jesus' message beyond the immediate religious environment.

Other religious interpretations might focus on the role of a prophetic voice in society, one that speaks truth to power and serves as a conscience to both religious and secular leadership.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it pertains to religious teaching and ethical conduct.

However, modern psychology can offer insights into the human propensity for seeking status and approval, as well as the cognitive dissonance that can occur when outward behaviors do not match internal beliefs, a phenomenon Jesus critiques in the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.

Commentaries

Commentators of this verse, such as Matthew Henry and John Gill, often note the contrast that Jesus makes between the conduct of the scribes and the expectations for His disciples.

They emphasize Jesus' warning as being against seeking status and recognition, which is counter to the service-oriented leadership that Jesus exemplified and taught.

These commentaries underscore the importance of humility, integrity, and sincerity in the practice of faith.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:45 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 20:45 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?