What is the meaning of Luke 20:7? So they answered - The chief priests, scribes, and elders are on the spot after Jesus’ question about the origin of John’s baptism (Luke 20:4). - Their “answer” is not heartfelt; it is a calculated reply meant to avoid the consequences of admitting the truth. - As in Matthew 21:27 and Mark 11:31, their response is driven by fear of the crowd rather than reverence for God (cf. Proverbs 29:25; John 12:42-43). - Their speech reveals a pattern already noted in Luke 20:20: they pretend righteousness while plotting evil, echoing Isaiah 29:13 where lips honor God but hearts are far from Him. that they did not know - The leaders claim ignorance, yet earlier they had thoroughly investigated John (John 1:19-25). Their confession of “not knowing” is willful blindness (cf. 2 Peter 3:5). - Scripture warns that refusing clear light brings greater darkness (John 3:19-20). By denying knowledge, they harden themselves, fulfilling Jeremiah 5:21—eyes that do not see, ears that do not hear. - This self-protective stance contrasts sharply with the humility God desires (James 4:6). Instead of repentance, they choose political maneuvering. where it was from - The issue is authority. If John’s baptism is “from heaven,” then Jesus, whom John affirmed (John 1:29-34), also carries divine authority (Luke 3:16). - Admitting the source would obligate them to obey Jesus, yet rejecting it risks the people’s wrath because “all held John to be a prophet” (Luke 20:6). - Their evasion exposes a heart unwilling to submit to God’s revealed will, just as Israel’s leaders repeatedly resisted the prophets (Acts 7:51-52). - Jesus’ question unmasks their hypocrisy; by refusing to state John’s origin, they forfeit any basis to challenge His authority (Luke 20:8). summary Luke 20:7 shows religious leaders sidestepping truth to preserve status. Their professed ignorance is deliberate, revealing fear of man, not fear of God. By denying what they know about John’s divine commission, they expose hearts unwilling to surrender to Jesus’ authority. The verse warns us that evasion in the face of clear revelation leads to hardened unbelief, while honest confession opens the way to faith and obedience. |
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