Luke 20: Religious Leaders Question Jesus’ Authority

Read Luke chapter 20

Introduction: Luke 20 is a chapter that has several run-ins between Jesus and the Pharisee’s and scribe’s, as well as parables, and teachings. As we read about Jesus cleaning up the temple and teaching with authority, we see him confronted by religious leaders who question his authority. Through his parables, Jesus reveals the what happens to those who reject God’s chosen Son, and through his teachings, he schools us about respecting earthly and heavenly authorities, the resurrection, and the supremacy of the Messiah.

I. Luke 20:1-8: Jesus’ Authority Questioned
Jesus, teaching the people and preaching the gospel, is confronted by the religious leaders who question his authority. In response, Jesus answers them with a question of his own about John the Baptist’s baptism, putting them in a tight spot. This scene can also be read in Matthew 21:23-27, where Jesus cleverly avoids their trap, pointing out Jesus’ divine wisdom.

II. Luke 20:9-19: Parable of the Wicked Tenants
Jesus tells a parable about wicked tenants who disrespect and kill the owner’s son (speaking of himself), which lines up with Isaiah 5:1-7 as a critique of Israel’s leaders. Jesus’ listeners realize that He speaks about them, and He knows about their plot to kill Him (Matthew 21:38). Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:22, highlighting that the rejected stone (Himself) would become the cornerstone.

III. Luke 20:20-26: Paying Taxes to Caesar
The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes. Jesus, knowing their very thoughts, asks for a denarius, which bore Caesar’s image, and advises to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s, which brings to mind Genesis 1:26, about being made in God’s image.

IV. Luke 20:27-40: The Resurrection and Marriage
The Sadducees question Jesus about the resurrection using a question about marriage, doubting its legitimacy since they only accepted the first five books of the Bible (Acts 23:8). Jesus corrects them by referring to Exodus 3:6, proving the resurrection by showing God is a God of the living.

V. Luke 20:41-44: Jesus as the Son of David
Jesus poses a question about the Christ being David’s son, quoting Psalm 110:1, where David himself refers to the Messiah as his Lord. This points out that the Messiah is not just a political figure, but a divine person, superior to David.

VI. Luke 20:45-47: Warnings to Beware of the Scribes
Jesus publicly warns against the scribes’ hypocrisy and their exploitation of the vulnerable, reminding of Micah 3:9-10, where leaders are condemned for building Zion with bloodshed.

Conclusion: In Luke 20, we see Jesus taking on and disarming various forms of opposition from the religious leaders of the day. He establishes His authority, reveals the leaders’ wickedness, affirms the sacred duty of giving to God what is His, clearly teaches the reality of resurrection, asserts His supremacy as Messiah, and condemns religious hypocrisy (religiosity). This chapter calls us to acknowledge and respect Jesus as the cornerstone of out lives, honor God in every area  of our life, trust in and look to the resurrection, and live with genuine and sincere faith and humility.