What is the meaning of Luke 20:3? I will also ask you a question • “Also” shows Jesus meeting His challengers on their own ground; they come with a question, He responds with one (Matthew 21:24; Mark 11:29). • Questioning was a standard rabbinic method; Jesus employs it skillfully to expose motives, just as God questioned Adam (“Where are you?” Genesis 3:9) and Job (“Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me” Job 38:3). • By inviting discussion, Jesus keeps the conversation public and transparent, thwarting any hidden agenda (Luke 20:6–7). • The question that will follow—about John’s baptism—forces the leaders to face truth they have avoided. Jesus’ questions are never evasive; they are diagnostic, pressing the conscience (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus replied • Jesus does not react defensively; He “replied,” demonstrating composure and authority (Luke 4:32, 36). • His reply fulfills Proverbs 15:1—“A gentle answer turns away wrath”—yet it is firm and incisive (John 7:46). • By replying, He models 1 Peter 3:15 before it was written: “Always be prepared to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect.” • The leaders aim to trap Him, but every reply of Jesus unveils their hearts while confirming His own authority (Luke 19:47–48). Tell Me • “Tell Me” obligates the questioners to declare their position; neutrality is no longer possible (Luke 20:5). • Jesus often called for personal response: “What do you think?” (Matthew 21:28); “How do you read it?” (Luke 10:26). • The phrase signals accountability: “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). • It also extends grace—an open invitation to speak honestly, reminiscent of Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, let us reason together,” and of John 18:21 where Jesus told Annas, “Question those who heard Me; surely they know what I said.” • Though the leaders will evade, the command “Tell Me” underscores that truth is not negotiable; it must be confessed (Philippians 2:11). summary In Luke 20:3 Jesus meets the religious leaders’ challenge by returning a question, replying with calm authority, and demanding an honest answer. His strategy exposes motives, upholds truth, and keeps the discussion in the open. The verse shows that Christ’s inquiries are designed to lead hearts to accountability before God, demonstrating both His wisdom and His sovereign authority over every conversation. |
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