Luke 20:3: Jesus' wise response?
How does Luke 20:3 demonstrate Jesus' wisdom in responding to challenges?

Setting the Scene

• The chief priests, scribes, and elders confront Jesus in the temple, demanding, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things?” (Luke 20:2).

• They aim to trap Him: if He claims divine authority, they can accuse Him of blasphemy; if He claims merely human authority, they can discredit Him before the people.


Text of Luke 20:3

“I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me:”


Observations on Jesus’ Response

• Jesus does not ignore the challenge, yet He refuses to answer on their terms.

• By posing a counter-question, He seizes the initiative and exposes their motives.

• His approach fulfills Proverbs 26:4-5—answering a fool according to his folly, yet without becoming foolish Himself.

• The question He will ask (about John’s baptism, v. 4) drives them to confront their own unbelief before they judge His authority.


Principles of Wisdom Demonstrated

1. Discernment of Hearts

John 2:25 notes that Jesus “knew what was in man.” He recognizes the leaders’ hidden agenda and responds accordingly.

2. Strategic Speech

Isaiah 11:2 foretells the Messiah’s wisdom and counsel. Jesus’ single sentence in v. 3 shows spirit-empowered prudence—He will reveal truth, but only to receptive hearts (cf. Matthew 7:6).

3. Respect for God’s Order

– By linking His authority to John’s, Jesus honors prophetic continuity (Malachi 3:1) and underscores that rejection of John equals rejection of God’s plan.

4. Turning Tests into Teaching

– Instead of a hostile debate, He transforms the moment into a lesson on genuine authority, much like His later “Render to Caesar” exchange (Luke 20:22-26).


Practical Takeaways for Today

• When faith is challenged, wisdom may begin with a clarifying question rather than a hasty answer.

• True authority rests on obedience to God’s revealed truth; rejecting earlier revelation blinds us to further light.

• A calm, confident reply grounded in Scripture can both disarm opposition and invite honest seekers deeper.

• Trust the Spirit’s guidance (Luke 12:11-12) to answer wisely, remembering how the Lord Himself modeled it in Luke 20:3.

What is the meaning of Luke 20:3?
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