What is the meaning of Luke 20:2? "Tell us," • The request sounds polite on the surface, yet it springs from hearts already opposed to Jesus (Luke 20:19). • Similar sounding inquiries had earlier concealed hostile motives—“Teacher, we want to see a sign from You” (Matthew 12:38-39). • Scripture warns that words can mask intent; “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart” (Psalm 55:21). • Even so, Jesus consistently engages such questions, revealing truth and exposing unbelief (John 18:20-21). they said, • The speakers are the chief priests, scribes, and elders (Luke 20:1), representatives of Israel’s religious establishment. • Their united front recalls Psalm 2:2, “The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed.” • This coalition had confronted John the Baptist with the same defensive spirit (John 1:19-25). • Their words prove Jesus’ earlier lament: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem… how often I have longed to gather your children… yet you were unwilling” (Luke 13:34). "by what authority are You doing these things, • “These things” point to Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:45-46) and His daily teaching there (Luke 20:1). • Authority (exousia) in Scripture denotes the right and power granted by God (Romans 13:1). • Jesus had taught “as one having authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:29). • He declared His works authenticated His authority: “The works that the Father has given Me to accomplish… testify that the Father has sent Me” (John 5:36). • Like Pharaoh demanding Moses’ credentials (Exodus 5:2), these leaders refuse to recognize divine authority when it confronts them. and who gave You this authority? • They presume true authority must be conferred by men—Sanhedrin ordination, Levitical lineage, rabbinic schooling (Acts 22:3). • Yet Jesus’ commission is heavenly: “The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands” (John 3:35). • Peter and John will later face the same challenge: “By what power or what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7). • The question unwittingly echoes prophecy: “To Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom” (Daniel 7:14). • Rejecting Jesus’ authority ultimately exposes a rejection of the Father who sent Him (Luke 10:16). summary The religious leaders cloak hostility in a courteous request, demanding credentials for Jesus’ temple cleansing and teaching. Their question reveals a dependence on human endorsement while ignoring the unmistakable works and words that prove the Father’s commission. Luke 20:2 thus contrasts earthly institutions grasping for control with the divine authority vested fully and forever in the Son. |
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