How does Luke 20:6 demonstrate the importance of fearing God over man? The Setting in Luke 20 • Jesus is teaching in the temple courts. • Chief priests, scribes, and elders challenge Him: “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things?” (v. 2). • Jesus responds with His own question about John the Baptist’s authority. The leaders huddle to decide what to say. Luke 20:6—The Key Verse “ ‘But if we say, “From men,” all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.’ ” What the Leaders Reveal • They calculate political fallout instead of seeking truth. • Their primary concern: avoid a riot, protect reputation, keep power. • God’s verdict on John—already declared through Scripture (Luke 3:2-6; Malachi 3:1)—is ignored. Lessons on the Fear of Man • Fear of man silences truth. – Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man brings a snare.” • Fear of man values approval over obedience. – John 12:42-43 shows rulers who “loved praise from men more than praise from God.” • Fear of man blinds leaders to divine authority standing right before them. Why Fearing God Matters More • God is the true Judge. – Isaiah 33:22: “The LORD is our Judge…He will save us.” • God sees motives that people miss (1 Samuel 16:7). • God holds eternal power over life and soul. – Matthew 10:28: “Do not fear those who kill the body…rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Positive Models of God-Fear • Peter and the apostles before the Sanhedrin: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). • Daniel refuses to stop praying, accepting the lions’ den rather than dishonor God (Daniel 6:10-23). • The early church prays for boldness, not popularity (Acts 4:29-31). Practical Takeaways • Measure every decision against God’s Word first, not public opinion. • Cultivate a private reverence for God through daily Scripture and worship; public courage flows from private conviction. • Expect opposition but remember Christ’s promise: “Blessed are you when people insult you…because of Me” (Matthew 5:11). • Anchor identity in being God’s servant, not in titles, likes, or applause (Galatians 1:10). Conclusion Luke 20:6 exposes leaders trapped by public pressure, contrasting sharply with the call to fear God above all. Embrace a holy reverence that frees you from human intimidation and aligns you with the unchanging authority of the Lord. |
    |