Luke 20
BSB1 One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him. 2 “Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?" 3 “I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me: 4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?" 5 They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet." 7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from. 8 And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." 9 Then He proceeded to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to some tenants, and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. 11 So he sent another servant, but they beat him and treated him shamefully, sending him away empty-handed. 12 Then he sent a third, but they wounded him and threw him out. 13 ‘What shall I do?’ asked the owner of the vineyard. ‘I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him.’ 14 But when the tenants saw the son, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants, and will give the vineyard to others.” And when the people heard this, they said, “May such a thing never happen!" 17 But Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’ ? 18 Everyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed." 19 When the scribes and chief priests realized that Jesus had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him that very hour. But they were afraid of the people. 20 So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. 21 “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 23 But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. 25 So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." 26 And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people; and amazed at His answer, they fell silent. 27 Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife, but died childless. 30 Then the second 31 and the third married the widow, and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. 32 And last of all, the woman died. 33 So then, in the resurrection, whose wife will she be? For all seven were married to her." 34 Jesus answered, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy to share in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. 36 In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God. 37 Even Moses demonstrates that the dead are raised, in the passage about the burning bush. For he calls the Lord ’the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive." 39 Some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well!" 40 And they did not dare to question Him any further. 41 Then Jesus declared, “How can it be said that the Christ is the Son of David? 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand 43 until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ 44 Thus David calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?" 45 In the hearing of all the people, Jesus said to His disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation."
Study Notes — Luke 20
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 20
- Themes from Luke 20
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 20
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke 20 begins with the chief priests and scribes questioning Jesus' authority, prompting Him to tell the parable of the wicked tenants. Jesus then addresses the issue of taxes, saying to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. The Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about the resurrection, but He responds by citing the Torah and affirming the reality of the afterlife. Jesus also teaches about the greatest commandment, encounters a poor widow who gives generously, and prophesies the destruction of the Temple. The chapter concludes with Jesus warning His disciples about the scribes and emphasizing the importance of faith and watchfulness.
Context for the Chapter
Luke 20 is situated in the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, as He approaches the end of His time on earth. The chapter is part of a series of events and teachings that culminate in Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The context of the chapter is one of increasing tension and conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, as they seek to trap and destroy Him.
Heart Application
This chapter challenges readers to examine their faith and obedience, seeking to put their trust in Jesus and follow His teachings. It emphasizes the importance of generosity, compassion, and humility, encouraging believers to live out their faith in practical ways. As seen in Luke 20:17, Jesus is the cornerstone of God's plan for redemption, and believers must build their lives on the foundation of His teachings and authority.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about Jesus' authority and teachings. He tells parables and answers questions from the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and generosity. In Luke 20:17, Jesus says He is the stone rejected by the builders, but He has become the cornerstone of God's plan for redemption.
Voices from the Church
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and this is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ, who was rejected by the Jews, but has become the foundation of the church.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Jesus' authority is not limited to His teachings, but extends to His power to forgive sins and grant eternal life. This is the essence of the gospel, and it is the foundation of our faith.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Question of Authority (Luke 20:1-8) — Jesus is questioned by the chief priests and scribes about His authority, prompting Him to tell the parable of the wicked tenants.
- The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:9-19) — Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience.
- The Question of Taxes (Luke 20:20-26) — Jesus is asked about taxes, and He responds by saying to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.
- The Question of the Resurrection (Luke 20:27-40) — The Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about the resurrection, but He responds by citing the Torah and affirming the reality of the afterlife.
- The Widow's Offering (Luke 20:41-47) — Jesus observes a poor widow giving generously and teaches about the importance of faith and obedience.
Core Doctrines
- The Authority of Christ
- This chapter teaches about Jesus' authority, emphasizing His power and sovereignty as the Son of God.
- The Importance of Faith
- Faith is highlighted as a crucial aspect of the Christian life, with Jesus teaching about the importance of trusting in God and obeying His commands.
- The Reality of the Afterlife
- Jesus affirms the reality of the afterlife, citing the Torah and emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience in preparation for eternity.
- The Centrality of Redemption
- Redemption is a key concept in this chapter, as Jesus teaches about the importance of salvation and the need for humanity to turn to God for forgiveness and restoration.
Lessons from Luke 20
- The Importance of Faith — Faith is a crucial aspect of the Christian life, and it is essential to trust in God and obey His commands.
- The Centrality of Redemption — Redemption is a key concept in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of salvation and the need for humanity to turn to God for forgiveness and restoration.
- The Authority of Christ — Jesus' authority is a central theme in this chapter, highlighting His power and sovereignty as the Son of God.
- The Importance of Generosity — The poor widow's offering teaches about the importance of generosity and giving, emphasizing the need to demonstrate faith and obedience through actions and decisions.
- The Reality of the Afterlife — Jesus affirms the reality of the afterlife, citing the Torah and emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience in preparation for eternity.
Themes from Luke 20
- The Kingdom of God — The kingdom of God is a central theme in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and redemption.
- The Authority of Christ — Jesus' authority is a key concept in this chapter, highlighting His power and sovereignty as the Son of God.
- The Importance of Faith — Faith is emphasized as a crucial aspect of the Christian life, with Jesus teaching about the importance of trusting in God and obeying His commands.
- The Reality of the Afterlife — Jesus affirms the reality of the afterlife, citing the Torah and emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience in preparation for eternity.
- The Centrality of Redemption — Redemption is a key concept in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of salvation and the need for humanity to turn to God for forgiveness and restoration.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus' authority mean for your life, and how can you submit to His sovereignty?
- How can you demonstrate faith and obedience in your daily life, putting your trust in God and following His commands?
- What does the parable of the wicked tenants teach about the importance of faith and obedience, and how can you apply this to your own life?
- How can you give generously, like the poor widow, and demonstrate your faith and obedience through your actions and decisions?
- What does Jesus' teaching about the resurrection mean for your understanding of the afterlife, and how can you prepare for eternity?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Question of Authority (Luke 20:1-8)
| 20:1 | Jesus is questioned by the chief priests and scribes about His authority, prompting Him to tell the parable of the wicked tenants. |
| 20:2 | The chief priests and scribes ask Jesus, 'Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?' |
2. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:9-19)
| 20:9 | Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience. |
| 20:17 | Jesus says, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.' |
3. The Question of Taxes (Luke 20:20-26)
| 20:20 | The Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about taxes, but He responds by saying to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. |
| 20:25 | Jesus says, 'Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.' |
4. The Question of the Resurrection (Luke 20:27-40)
| 20:27 | The Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about the resurrection, but He responds by citing the Torah and affirming the reality of the afterlife. |
| 20:38 | Jesus says, 'But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' |
5. The Widow's Offering (Luke 20:41-47)
| 20:41 | Jesus observes a poor widow giving generously and teaches about the importance of faith and obedience. |
| 20:47 | Jesus says, 'They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore, they will receive greater condemnation.' |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the parable of the wicked tenants?
The parable of the wicked tenants teaches about the importance of faith and obedience, emphasizing the need to trust in God and follow His commands. As seen in Luke 20:17, Jesus is the stone rejected by the builders, but He has become the cornerstone of God's plan for redemption.
What does Jesus teach about the resurrection?
Jesus affirms the reality of the afterlife, citing the Torah and emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience in preparation for eternity. In Luke 20:38, Jesus says that the dead are raised, and He cites the passage about the bush where Moses calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
What is the significance of the poor widow's offering?
The poor widow's offering teaches about the importance of generosity and giving, emphasizing the need to demonstrate faith and obedience through actions and decisions. As seen in Luke 20:41-47, Jesus observes the widow giving generously and teaches about the importance of faith and obedience.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 20:17 → Psalm 118:22 | The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 118:22. |
| 2 | Luke 20:27 → Exodus 3:6 | The Sadducees' question about the resurrection is answered by Jesus, who cites the Torah and affirms the reality of the afterlife, as seen in Exodus 3:6. |
| 3 | Luke 20:38 → Matthew 22:32 | Jesus' teaching about the resurrection is consistent with His teaching in Matthew 22:32, where He says that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. |
| 4 | Luke 20:41 → Mark 12:41-44 | The poor widow's offering is also recorded in Mark 12:41-44, emphasizing the importance of generosity and giving. |
| 5 | Luke 20:9 → Isaiah 5:1-7 | The parable of the wicked tenants is similar to the parable in Isaiah 5:1-7, which teaches about the importance of faith and obedience. |
| 6 | Luke 20:20 → Matthew 17:24-27 | The question of taxes is also addressed in Matthew 17:24-27, where Jesus says to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. |
| 7 | Luke 20:27 → Acts 23:8 | The Sadducees' denial of the resurrection is also seen in Acts 23:8, where they are described as saying that there is no resurrection. |
| 8 | Luke 20:38 → John 11:25-26 | Jesus' teaching about the resurrection is consistent with His teaching in John 11:25-26, where He says that He is the resurrection and the life. |
| 9 | Luke 20:41 → 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 | The poor widow's offering is an example of the importance of generosity and giving, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. |
| 10 | Luke 20:47 → Matthew 23:1-36 | Jesus' warning about the scribes is consistent with His teaching in Matthew 23:1-36, where He condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. |
Sermons on Luke 20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Major Ian Thomas - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Lu |
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A Plea for Kingdom Honesty - Part 1 by Don Basham | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the power and miracles experienced by the early church as recorded in Acts 4. The disciples prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit, spe |
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(A Divine Visitation) Unreckoned by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of divine visitations. He starts by expressing his concern for the state of cities and churches, suggesting that if Jesus were to a |
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Luke - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a passion for lost souls and a desire to see them transformed. He shares the commission given to him by the Lord to |
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(Easter Convention 2008) Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal routine for prayer and devotion. He starts his day by spending the first half hour listening to old hymns, which helps him enter a s |
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Judgment Seat of Christ - Part 2 (Alternative 2) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher describes a man who was deeply moved by the sinful behavior of others and felt a burden to pray for their salvation. The preacher emphasizes the import |
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Dealing With Manipulators by Gayle Erwin | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of the little boy who offered his lunch to Jesus, which miraculously fed thousands of people. The speaker imagines the boy's react |
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The Saved Jew Blesses His Merciful God by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a conversation he had with someone about believers' baptism. He takes his time to explain every text in the New Testament that supp |
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(Through the Bible) Luke 20-21 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a parable about a vineyard and its significance in relation to the nation of Israel. The parable tells the story of a vineyard owner who send |
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The Apostate Clergymen by James R. Hamilton | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of focusing on presentation and humor rather than the message of the Gospel. He criticizes the tendency to prioritize impressivene |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 20
In this chapter, Jesus teaches about the importance of faith and obedience, emphasizing the need to trust in God and follow His commands. He tells the parable of the wicked tenants, which teaches about the importance of faith and obedience, and He affirms the reality of the afterlife, citing the Torah. Jesus also observes a poor widow giving generously and teaches about the importance of faith and obedience. As Matthew Henry notes, Jesus' teachings in this chapter are a call to faith and obedience, emphasizing the need to trust in God and follow His commands. The chapter also highlights the importance of generosity and giving, as seen in the poor widow's offering. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Use of Parables
Jesus uses parables to teach about the kingdom of God and the importance of faith and obedience. This method of teaching allows Him to convey complex spiritual truths in a way that is relatable and engaging.
The Pharisees' Attempts to Trap Jesus
The Pharisees and other religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus with difficult questions, but He responds with wisdom and authority, demonstrating His sovereignty and power.
The Emphasis on Faith and Obedience
Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, highlighting the need for humanity to trust in God and put their faith into practice through actions and decisions.