What is the meaning of Luke 20:21?

Teacher,

The religious spies address Jesus with a respectful title, hoping to cloak their trap in flattery.

• The title acknowledges His public role as a rabbi (Matthew 23:8).

• Even opponents could not deny His authority, as seen when Nicodemus said, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher” (John 3:2).

• Their polite approach fulfills the proverb, “An enemy multiplies kisses” (Proverbs 27:6), underscoring the hypocrisy at work in Luke 20.

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we know that You speak and teach correctly.

Their words, though insincere, affirm a truth about Jesus.

• Jesus’ teaching astonished crowds because He spoke “as one who had authority” (Matthew 7:28-29).

• Every doctrine He delivered was “sound” (Titus 2:1) and “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

• His flawless teaching fulfills the promise of Deuteronomy 18:18-19 that God would raise up a prophet whose words must be heeded.

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You show no partiality

They admit that Jesus does not play favorites.

• God Himself “does not show favoritism” (Acts 10:34), and the Son perfectly mirrors that character (John 5:19).

• Jesus treated the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21), a despised tax collector (Luke 19:2-10), and powerless children (Luke 18:15-17) with the same just love.

• Scripture warns leaders against partiality (Leviticus 19:15; James 2:1-4); Jesus lived that standard without compromise.

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but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

Even His enemies concede that Jesus unveils God’s path without distortion.

• “The way of God” echoes Old Testament language: “Teach me Your way, O LORD” (Psalm 27:11).

• Jesus embodies that way: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

• Everything He taught aligned with the Father’s will (John 8:28-29); not one word contradicted Scripture (Matthew 5:17-18).

• This statement heightens the irony: recognizing His integrity, they still plot deceit (Luke 20:23).

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summary

Luke 20:21 records hollow compliments that unintentionally testify to who Jesus truly is—a teacher from God whose words are flawless, whose judgments are impartial, and whose instruction reveals the only true path to the Father. While spoken in malice, their admission underscores the unassailable authority and righteousness of Christ, inviting every hearer to receive His teaching with sincere faith rather than crafty resistance.