Luke 20

Luke 20:7

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem. See notes on Matthew 20:17-19 Mr 10:32-34. Luke adds: All the things that are written by the prophets, etc. For some things written by the prophets, see Psalms 16:10 22:7-8 49:15 Isaiah 53:1-9 Daniel 9:26.

Luke 20:11

As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Matthew 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. “If there were two there certainly was one”. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Matthew 20:29.

Luke 20:21

The Entrance into Jerusalem SUMMARY OF LUKE 19: Zacchaeus the Publican. Parable of the Ten Pounds. The Royal Entry into Jerusalem. Weeping in Jerusalem. Cleansing the Temple. [Jesus] entered and passed through Jericho. He had crossed the Jordan at the ford beyond Jericho, and the road from thence to Jerusalem led through Jericho, “the city of palm trees”, the chief city of all eastern Judea. It stood at the mouth of the gap in the mountain rampart, through which the road ascended to Jerusalem, more than 3,000 feet above the plain of Jericho.

Luke 20:22

Zacchaeus . . . the chief among the publicans. The importance of Jericho and its situation would make it an important center for the collection of the Roman tribute. At the head of the publicans engaged in this business was Zacchaeus. He seems to have had supervision of the district. He was rich. A very suspicious fact in a member of a class noted for their extortion.

Luke 20:23

Sought to see Jesus. Out of curiosity.

Luke 20:24

Climbed up into a sycamore tree. A kind of mulberry fig with low branches. His shortness of stature and the crowd made this necessary if he would see Jesus.

Luke 20:25

To day I must abide at thy house. Tarry there for the night. Jesus went there, not for congenial society, but because his mission was to seek and save the lost.

Luke 20:26

Received him joyfully. He did not expect such an honor as the Great Teacher would stop with one of a class so despised by the Jews as his own.

Luke 20:27

They all murmured. How often these complaints of Jesus stooping down at the company of sinners are recorded! Now, however, the crowd expected that at Jerusalem his kingdom would be proclaimed, but here he is the guest of the chief agent of the oppressive Roman tribute! Had Christ sought popularity he would never have gone with Zacchaeus.

Luke 20:28

Zacchaeus stood, and said. The record is silent as what had wrought so great a change. No doubt the Lord had preached to him. Half of my goods, I give to the poor. What greater proof of a change of heart! His heart had been on riches; now at once he consecrates one-half to the relief of suffering. If I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation. He no doubt had, if half that is stated of the publicans was true. I restore [him] fourfold. Not only what he has taken, but four times as much. No repentance that does not lead to restitution is genuine. “If what thou hast taken wrongfully cannot be restored to those who were wronged, give it to God; the poor are God’s receivers”.

Luke 20:29

This days is salvation come to this house. Because Zacchaeus has truly repented. Forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. Therefore entitled to a place in the kingdom, according to the narrow Jewish ideas, but also now shown to be a spiritual son of Abraham, born not of the flesh, but of the spirit (Galatians 3:7).

Luke 20:30

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save. Therefore he went to lodge with the publicans and the sinner in order to save.

Luke 20:31

Because he was nigh to Jerusalem. From fifteen to twenty miles away. The crowd thought that when he reached Jerusalem “his kingdom would immediately appear”; an earthly kingdom like that of David. The parable that follows was spoken, in part, to correct that idea.

Luke 20:32

A certain nobleman went into a far country. While this parable is much like that of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30 Mr 13:34-36), it is a different one in many particulars; spoken elsewhere, for a different purpose. To receive for himself a kingdom. As Christ would leave the earth and ascend to heaven before he would receive his kingdom.

Luke 20:33

Delivered them ten pounds. Each a pound. The Greek term is “mina”, a weight of silver equivalent to about sixteen dollars. Occupy till I come. This was all given to be used. It was given to his servants. It represents whatever ability, whether of wealth or mind, that we have to serve Christ.

Luke 20:34

His citizens hated him. The Jews. After his departure, they still refused to have him for king.

Luke 20:35

When he was returned. When he returns to reward his servants; his final coming. Commanded these servants . . . to be called. To give an account. This is done at judgment. Death calls us to account also.

Luke 20:36

Thy pound hath gained ten pounds. It is the Lord’s goods, faithfully used, that has given the increase. The faithful discharge of duty is rewarded by an increased trust and increased honor. See notes on Matthew 25:19-23.

Luke 20:40

Lord, behold, [here is] thy pound. See notes on Matthew 25:24-27, where the case is similar. The lesson is that our abilities must be used for the Lord. It is not enough that we are not positively wicked; we must do good.

Luke 20:44

Said unto them that stood by. The angels. Matthew 13:41,42 2 Thessalonians 1:7 Jude 1:14.

Luke 20:46

Unto every one who hath shall be given. To those who have been faithful and efficient shall be given still greater trusts when the Lord comes, but from the faithless will be taken their opportunities forever. The faithless servant is a faithless church member.

Luke 20:47

Those my enemies. This portrays the fate, not of church members, but of those who would not have the Lord reign over them. It embraces all the impenitent. Compare Matthew 13:49 21:44 25:30 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10.