Divine Authority and Wisdom: An Exposition of Luke 20

Luke 20 showcases the supreme authority and wisdom of Jesus, navigating contentious religious debates and exposing hypocrisy. He raises a mirror to the religious elite, critiquing their attitudes, while praising the authentic faith of a poor widow. Jesus proves that the Kingdom of God values humility, sincerity, and generosity over pride and outward show. As we face questions and challenges, may we respond with the wisdom and truth modeled by Jesus.

Verses 1-8: Jesus' Authority Challenged

Jesus' authority is questioned by the religious leaders. In response, He asks them about the origin of John's baptism, effectively turning the question back on them and leaving them unable to answer.

Verses 9-19: Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Jesus tells the parable of wicked tenants, prophesying about His impending rejection and death. The religious leaders understand He is speaking about them and seek to arrest Him.

Verses 20-26: Paying Taxes to Caesar

The Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes. Jesus, discerning their deceit, replies that we are to give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.

Verses 27-40: The Question about the Resurrection

The Sadducees, who deny resurrection, question Jesus about it. Jesus responds with profound wisdom, affirming the resurrection and God as a God of the living.

Verses 41-44: Whose Son Is the Christ?

Jesus questions how the Christ can be David's son if David calls Him Lord, confounding His critics.

Verses 45-47: Warning against the Teachers of the Law

Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the teachers of the law who seek human approval.

Verses 1-4: The Widow's Offering

In contrast to the religious leaders, a poor widow gives all she has, displaying true devotion.

Luke 20 unfolds as a testament to the authority and wisdom of Jesus Christ. Challenged by the religious leaders of the time, Jesus reveals deep spiritual insight and turns the tables on His critics. This chapter illuminates Jesus' ability to rise above human controversy, exhibiting divine understanding while condemning hypocrisy and promoting true devotion.

Authority of Jesus
Spiritual Wisdom
Hypocrisy and True Devotion
The Coming JudgmentJesus' Authority Challenged
Parable of the Wicked Tenants
Paying Taxes to Caesar
The Question about the Resurrection
Whose Son Is the Christ?
Warning against the Teachers of the Law
The Widow's OfferingJesus
Chief Priests and Elders
Disciples
Pharisees
Sadducees
A WidowThe Temple
Jerusalem

1. How does Jesus handle the challenge to His authority in this chapter?

2. What does the Parable of the Wicked Tenants teach about God’s judgment and grace?

3. How does Jesus’ response to paying taxes to Caesar influence your understanding of our dual citizenship (earthly and heavenly)?

4. What can we learn from Jesus' teaching about the resurrection?

5. How does Jesus' question about David's son demonstrate His divine wisdom and authority?

6. In what ways does Jesus’ warning against the teachers of the law challenge religious hypocrisy today?

7. How does the widow's offering illustrate the principle of sacrificial giving?

8. How can we apply Jesus' handling of difficult questions and confrontations to our own lives?

9. How does the Parable of the Wicked Tenants speak to our responsibility as stewards of God's grace and gifts?

10. How do you reconcile earthly responsibilities (like paying taxes) and spiritual obligations in your life, as taught by Jesus?

11. How does Jesus' affirmation of the resurrection comfort and encourage you about eternal life?

12. How does Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees and Sadducees challenge us in our approach to understanding and interpreting Scripture?

13. In what ways does the warning against the teachers of the law prompt self-examination of our motivations and attitudes in religious practices?

14. How can you emulate the widow's sacrificial giving in your life?

15. How can Jesus' unflappable authority in the face of confrontation empower you in your personal and spiritual encounters?

16. What can the Parable of the Wicked Tenants teach us about receiving and responding to God's messengers today?

17. How can we balance our obligations to government authorities with our duties to God, as instructed by Jesus?

18. How does Jesus' understanding and explanation of the resurrection impact your view of life after death?

19. How can we guard against the kind of hypocrisy Jesus warned about among the teachers of the law?

20. In what practical ways can you express sacrificial giving and total trust in God like the widow in the temple?