What does Luke 20:6 mean?

Explanation

Luke 20:6 presents a moment where the religious leaders in Jerusalem, specifically the chief priests and scribes, are questioning Jesus' authority.

In a dialogue preceding this verse, they ask Jesus by what authority He does His works and who granted Him this authority. Jesus, knowing their insincerity and desire to trap Him, counters with a question about the baptism of John the Baptist, asking whether it was from heaven or of men.

The leaders reason among themselves that if they say John's baptism was from heaven, Jesus will ask why they didn't believe John. If they state it was of men, they fear the reaction of the people, as the verse indicates.

The religious leaders are in a conundrum because the masses considered John a prophet. They fear that if they publicly denounce John's authority, they will be stoned by the people.

Thus, the verse reveals both the high regard the people had for John the Baptist and the leaders' concern for their own safety and status.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written in a context where early Christians were affirming the legitimacy of Jesus' teachings and actions. John the Baptist had already established himself as a prophetic figure calling for repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.

Many Jews of that period accepted and revered John as a prophet.

The Jewish leaders, on the other hand, were typically skeptical of both John and Jesus.

The incident depicted in Luke 20 occurs during the final week of Jesus' life as He teaches in the temple in Jerusalem.

The challenge to His authority reflects the tension between Jesus and the Jewish establishment, which ultimately leads to His crucifixion.

Theological Insights

This verse touches on numerous theological themes:

• Prophetic Authority: It underscores the Jewish people's recognition of prophetic voices like John's and, by extension, Jesus'.

Rejecting a true prophet had serious implications.

• Divine vs. Human Authority: The leaders' dilemma reflects the tension between divine authority (as claimed by John and Jesus) and human authority.
• Fear of Man vs. Fear of God: The leaders prioritize their fear of the people over the truth about John's and Jesus' divine authority, contrasting with Biblical exhortations to fear God above all.

Different theological traditions may emphasize these themes differently. For example, some may focus on the prophetic fulfillment aspect, whereas others may stress the notion of moral courage in the face of opposition.

Practical Applications

The verse can teach modern readers about:

• Integrity: Rather than bending to social pressure, religious and ethical leaders are encouraged to stand by the truth.
• Discernment: Christians are encouraged to thoughtfully consider the source and validity of spiritual teachings and authorities.
• Courage: It's important to hold fast to convictions even when faced with opposition.

Cross-References

• Matthew 21:25-26: A parallel account of this event, highlighting the same dilemma faced by the religious leaders.
• Matthew 14:5: Notes that Herod feared the people because they regarded John as a prophet.
• Acts 5:29: The apostles declare, "We ought to obey God rather than men," reflecting the primacy of divine authority.

Language Study

The term 'stone' in the original Greek is "λιθάσουσιν" (lithasousin), which refers to the act of pelting or casting stones , a form of execution or intense disapproval in that culture.

The verb "πέποιθαν" (pepoithan), translated here as 'were persuaded,' suggests a strong conviction or firm belief.

The term "προφήτην" (propheten) directly relates to a prophet, one who purports to speak by divine inspiration.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of prophets being challenged or their authority being questioned is common in many religious traditions.

For instance:

• In Islam, prophets are also met with skepticism by their contemporaries.
• In Greek mythology, oracles and prophets, like Cassandra, often face disbelief despite speaking truths.

Scientific Perspectives

The threat of stoning aligns with the known historical and archaeological evidence of capital punishment practices in ancient Jewish culture, where stoning was a prescribed method for certain offenses.

commentaries

Commentators typically highlight the leaders' hypocrisy and political maneuvering:

• John Calvin notes the fear of the leaders indicates their bad conscience and their preference for human judgment over divine.
• Matthew Henry comments on the dangerous position of these leaders as they weigh human opinion more heavily than the truth.
• William Barclay suggests that it's always a tragic day when people are more concerned with safety and prestige than with right and wrong.