Questioning authority
Luke 20:1 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,
Luke 20:2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
The antichrist spirit in them asks the question, which was actually an accusation. Who made you worthy to speak, by what authority? They only saw themselves as holding power over the people. They did not see God's Son as he was.
Luke 20:3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
Luke 20:4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
If they knew the Spirit and authority in John, they would know the Spirit of God in Jesus
Luke 20:5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
Luke 20:6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
As politicians, they reasoned, seeking to bend words to their advantage. They wanted to say the politically correct thing, without agreeing with Jesus.
Luke 20:7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
Luke 20:8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
They could not acknowledge the source of authority that John had. Jesus caught them at their game. They would not receive truth, so he did not answer them.
So many come into our Christian Chats like these blind leaders. They seek to discredit and undermine those speaking the gospel. The truth of God is interrupted with foolish words. Like Jesus, we do not answer them and we continue to speak the word of life.
Beyond evil
Luke 20:17 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?
Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Psa 118:23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
They were rejecting him and they probably knew this scripture.
Luke 20:18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
That should have frightened them, what a strong warning. But, like Cain they proceeded to sin.
Luke 20:19 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.
Politicians, they feared the people, but not God. They pretended to serve God, but it was only their desire for power that they served.
Luke 20:20 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.
Wow, sneaky foolish hypocrites. Sounds like many of our own politicians, devoid of truth and character.
God and Caesar
Luke 20:21 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:
A little flattery before the sharp tongue of deceit.
Luke 20:22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
Luke 20:23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
Questions to tempt. Carnal minds used of the devil come against the Son of God to tempt him to say something to where he may be accused of them. These workers of satan often think they serve God. One said to me, I love God with all my heart. But immediately opposed Jesus. The two will never go together. To say we serve God and to tempt a brother in the Lord, or the Lord Jesus, is to show a wicked heart, a heart controlled by false beliefs and another spirit. To deny and tempt the Christ is to block our own way to God. Be not deceived.
Luke 20:24 Show me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
Luke 20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
Excellent answer. Who is able to debate the mind of God? Who is able to out smart the Lord of Glory? He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, do we think that our thinking is greater than God? Are our words more clever than God's word?
2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Reprobate: not standing the test, not approved
2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Tim 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Luke 20:26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
Once again, they were more concerned about the opinions of the people, more than the truth of God. They held there peace, but like so many who have their own stubborn will, they have not changed their mind. To be loved by the people and to go to hell, or to obey and love God? A simple choice for an unclouded mind. What will they be singing in hell? I had it my may? Wake up and sing the glory of God! I will praise my Redeemer!
God of the living
Luke 20:27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
They denied the resurrection unto eternal life with God. They were (sad you see).
Luke 20:28 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.
This was the law to Israel. So that the inheritance of land would stay in the family. Each of the twelve tribes were given an inheritance of land.
Luke 20:29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
Now it is the Saducees who make up a story to trick Jesus.
Luke 20:30 And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.
Luke 20:31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
Luke 20:32 Last of all the woman died also.
Luke 20:33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.
Luke 20:34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
Luke 20:35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
No marriage in heaven. Jesus is the bridegroom of the church.
Luke 20:36 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.
Like the angels they are spiritual beings. But we shall be greater than the angels.
1 Cor 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
Luke 20:37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
Luke 20:38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Not a God of the dead, but of the living. The Saducees could not see the living God and eternal life. They were dead in their sins.
Lord Jesus
Luke 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
Those who tried to make Jesus fall, call him master? He was indeed, Master.
Luke 20:40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
Luke 20:41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?
They could not make him stumble, so now Jesus will try to make them understand. Jesus referred to himself as the son of man. He was in the flesh identifying himself as the flesh descendant of king David. But we know that he was more than flesh. All the miracles and his words were the fruit of God's son.
Luke 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Luke 20:43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Luke 20:44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
David's son was Lord, Jesus is Lord. Something for the hypocritical leaders to think on, but most would not hear. I hear and see, do you? Jesus is Lord, the Son of God. He did not say it, for this is what they accused him of later, blasphemy claiming that he was equal with God. He is God the Son, the only begotten of the Father.
Beware of the Scribes
Luke 20:45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,
Jesus was not afraid to speak the truth in front of his accusers. The Jewish leaders were more interested in not upsetting public opinion. They wanted the praise of men. Jesus speaks the mind of God to his disciples in front of all the people assembled.
Luke 20:46 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;
Beware of the scribes. who were supposed to keep the law, but who sought the praises of men, and positions of power over them, rather than to obey God.
Luke 20:47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a show make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
They had a false religious spirit before men, they were covetous and their deeds were evil. They did not expect the words of Jesus when he said; they will receive greater damnation. Those entrusted with the word, must give account to what they say and do. If they are false they will be judged more severely.
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters (teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
If a greater condemnation is by leading others astray, there is also a greater reward for leading many to God.
Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
We serve God for his glory, not for our own glory or gain from men.
Superragman(@aol.com) Superragman@aol.com
Luke Chapters
Luke 21
Luke 1 Table of Contents
Eaglewings New Testament Studies
Eaglewings Ministries