Luke 20:20
So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor.
So they watched Him closely
The Greek word for "watched" here is "παρατηρέω" (paratēreō), which implies a careful and insidious observation. This was not a casual glance but a deliberate and intense scrutiny. Historically, this reflects the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. They were threatened by His teachings and influence, and their surveillance was a calculated effort to find fault. This phrase reminds us of the vigilance of those who oppose truth, and it calls believers to be equally vigilant in their faith and discernment.

and sent spies
The term "spies" comes from the Greek "ἐγκαθέτους" (enkathétous), meaning those who are secretly planted or suborned. This indicates a covert operation, highlighting the deceitful and underhanded tactics of the religious leaders. In a broader scriptural context, this reflects the spiritual warfare that believers face, where the enemy often uses deception. It serves as a reminder to be wise and discerning, as Jesus Himself advised His followers to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

who pretended to be sincere
The Greek word "ὑποκρινομαι" (hypokrinomai) is used here, which is the root of the English word "hypocrite." It means to feign or pretend. This highlights the duplicity of the spies, who masked their true intentions with a facade of righteousness. This is a powerful reminder of the dangers of hypocrisy, which Jesus frequently condemned. It calls believers to genuine faith and integrity, living authentically before God and others.

They hoped to catch Him in His words
The phrase "catch Him" translates from the Greek "ἐπιλάβωμαι" (epilabomai), which conveys the idea of seizing or trapping. This reflects the malicious intent of the religious leaders, who sought to ensnare Jesus through His own teachings. Historically, this was a common tactic used against those who challenged the status quo. For believers, it underscores the importance of being grounded in truth and wisdom, as Jesus was, to withstand such traps.

in order to hand Him over
The phrase "hand Him over" is from the Greek "παραδῶσιν" (paradōsin), which means to deliver or betray. This foreshadows the eventual betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. It highlights the ultimate goal of the religious leaders: to remove Jesus by any means necessary. This serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution for those who stand for truth.

to the rule and authority of the governor
The "rule and authority" refers to the Roman governance, specifically Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea. The Greek words "ἀρχή" (archē) and "ἐξουσία" (exousia) denote power and jurisdiction. This reflects the political dynamics of the time, where the religious leaders sought to use Roman authority to achieve their ends. It reminds believers of the complex interplay between spiritual and worldly powers and the sovereignty of God over all authorities.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is being closely watched by those who seek to trap Him.

2. Spies
Individuals sent by the religious leaders to feign sincerity and trap Jesus with His own words.

3. Religious Leaders
The chief priests and scribes who are plotting against Jesus, seeking to undermine His authority.

4. Governor
The Roman authority to whom the religious leaders hope to deliver Jesus, aiming to have Him punished under Roman law.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events are taking place, a significant location for Jesus' ministry and eventual crucifixion.
Teaching Points
Discernment in Deception
Jesus demonstrates discernment in recognizing the deceitful intentions of the spies. As believers, we must seek wisdom and discernment to recognize and respond to deceit in our own lives.

Integrity in Speech
Jesus' ability to speak truthfully and wisely, even under scrutiny, challenges us to maintain integrity in our words, especially when faced with opposition or attempts to trap us.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the plots against Him, Jesus remains confident in God's sovereign plan. We are reminded to trust in God's control over our circumstances, even when others may seek to harm us.

The Danger of Hypocrisy
The religious leaders' actions serve as a warning against hypocrisy. We must examine our own hearts to ensure our actions align with our professed beliefs.

The Power of Truth
Jesus' response to the spies highlights the power of truth to disarm deceit. As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold and speak the truth in all situations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' response to the spies in Luke 20:20 demonstrate His wisdom and discernment? How can we apply this in our daily interactions?

2. In what ways do the actions of the religious leaders reflect the warnings found in Proverbs 26:24-26? How can we guard against similar hypocrisy in our own lives?

3. How does the parallel account in Matthew 22:15-22 enhance our understanding of the events in Luke 20:20? What additional insights do we gain?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced deceit or opposition. How can Jesus' example in this passage guide your response in similar situations?

5. Considering Psalm 37:32, how can we find comfort and assurance in God's protection when others seek to harm us? How does this influence our trust in God's sovereignty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 22:15-22
This passage parallels the account in Luke, where the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar.

Mark 12:13-17
Another parallel account that highlights the same event, emphasizing the cunning of the religious leaders.

Psalm 37:32
This verse speaks of the wicked watching the righteous and seeking to slay them, reflecting the intentions of the religious leaders towards Jesus.

Proverbs 26:24-26
These verses warn about those who disguise their hatred with deceit, similar to the spies pretending to be sincere.
The Sacred and the SecularW. Clarkson Luke 20:19-26
Caesar's Due and God's DueS. Hieron.Luke 20:20-26
Christ was Watched, and So are WeH. J. Wilmot-Buxton, M. A.Luke 20:20-26
Cowards are Like CatsDallas, "Natural History of the Animal Kingdom."Luke 20:20-26
Duty DiscriminatedW. Baxendale.Luke 20:20-26
Man is God's PropertyGrimm.Luke 20:20-26
No Division of AllegianceCanon Duckworth.Luke 20:20-26
Religion and PoliticsF. W. Robertson.Luke 20:20-26
Secular and Religious Duties not in ConflictAnon.Luke 20:20-26
The Divine Image in the SoulBishop Ehrler.Luke 20:20-26
The Medal Made UsefulLuke 20:20-26
Christ Supreme in DebateR.M. Edgar Luke 20:20-40
People
David, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus, John
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Account, Act, Acting, Authority, Catch, Close, Deliver, Expression, Fasten, Feign, Feigned, Feigning, Forth, Government, Governor, Governor's, Hold, Honest, Hoped, Impatiently, Jurisdiction, Kept, Language, Liers, Opportunity, Order, Persons, Power, Pretended, Pretending, Representatives, Righteous, Rule, Ruler, Ruling, Secret, Sincere, Speech, Spies, Statement, Suborned, Themselves, Trap, Wait, Watch, Watched, Watching
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 20:20

     2575   Christ, temptation
     5216   authority, nature of
     5327   governors
     5977   waiting
     9611   hope, nature of

Luke 20:3-26

     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Luke 20:20-22

     5552   spies

Luke 20:20-25

     5257   civil authorities

Luke 20:20-26

     5260   coinage
     5577   taxation
     5920   pretence
     5948   shrewdness

Library
Whose Image and Superscription?
'Whose image and superscription hath it?'--Luke xx. 24. It is no unusual thing for antagonists to join forces in order to crush a third person obnoxious to both. So in this incident we have an unnatural alliance of the two parties in Jewish politics who were at daggers drawn. The representatives of the narrow conservative Judaism, which loathed a foreign yoke, in the person of the Pharisees and Scribes, and the Herodians, the partisans of a foreigner and a usurper, lay their heads together to propose
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Tenants who Wanted to be Owners
'Then began He to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. 10. And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty. 11. And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. 12. And again he sent a third: and they wounded him
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The God of the Living.
He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.--ST LUKE xx. 38. It is a recurring cause of perplexity in our Lord's teaching, that he is too simple for us; that while we are questioning with ourselves about the design of Solomon's earring upon some gold-plated door of the temple, he is speaking about the foundations of Mount Zion, yea, of the earth itself, upon which it stands. If the reader of the Gospel supposes that our Lord was here using a verbal argument with the Sadducees,
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Resurrection of the Sleeping Saints.
"And the dead in Christ shall rise first." This is the second blessed event which shall occur at the Redeemer's return--the sleeping saints will be awakened and raised. This brings us to a branch of our subject upon which there is much ignorance and confusion in Christendom generally. The idea which popularly obtains is that of a general resurrection at the end of time. So deeply rooted is this belief and so widely is it held that to declare there will be two resurrections--one of saints and another
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Morality of the Gospel.
Is stating the morality of the Gospel as an argument of its truth, I am willing to admit two points; first, that the teaching of morality was not the primary design of the mission; secondly, that morality, neither in the Gospel, nor in any other book, can be a subject, properly speaking, of discovery. If I were to describe in a very few words the scope of Christianity as a revelation, [49] I should say that it was to influence the conduct of human life, by establishing the proof of a future state
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision A. Introduction ^A Matt. XXI. 23-27; ^B Mark XI. 27-33; ^C Luke XX. 1-8. ^c 1 And it came to pass, on one of the days, ^b they [Jesus and the disciples] come again to Jerusalem: ^a 23 And when he was come into the temple, ^b and as he was walking in the temple [The large outer court of the temple, known as the court of the Gentiles, was thronged during the feasts, and was no doubt the part selected by Jesus and his apostles when
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision C. Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. ^A Matt. XXI. 33-46; ^B Mark XII. 1-12; ^C Luke XX. 9-19. ^b 1 And he began to speak unto them ^c the people [not the rulers] ^b in parables. { ^c this parable:} ^a 33 Hear another parable: There was a man that was a householder [this party represents God], who planted a vineyard [this represents the Hebrew nationality], and set a hedge about it, and digged a ^b pit for the ^a winepress in it
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
(Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision A. Pharisees and Herodians Ask About Tribute. ^A Matt. XXII. 15-22; ^B Mark XII. 13-17; ^C Luke XX. 20-26. ^a 15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk. ^c 20 And they watched him, and sent forth { ^b send unto him} ^a their disciples, ^b certain of the Pharisees and of { ^a with} ^b the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk. [Perceiving that Jesus, when on his guard, was too wise for them,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the Question of Christ's Authority - the Question of Tribute to Cæsar - The
THE record of this third day is so crowded, the actors introduced on the scene are so many, the occurrences so varied, and the transitions so rapid, that it is even more than usually difficult to arrange all in chronological order. Nor need we wonder at this, when we remember that this was, so to speak, Christ's last working-day - the last, of His public Mission to Israel, so far as its active part was concerned; the last day in the Temple; the last, of teaching and warning to Pharisees and Sadducees;
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question
THE last day in the Temple was not to pass without other temptations' than that of the Priests when they questioned His authority, or of the Pharisees when they cunningly sought to entangle Him in His speech. Indeed, Christ had on this occasion taken a different position; He had claimed supreme authority, and thus challenged the leaders of Israel. For this reason, and because at the last we expect assaults from all His enemies, we are prepared for the controversies of that day. We remember that,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Fac-Similes
OF ANCIENT NEW TESTAMENT MANUSCRIPTS, TO ILLUSTRATE CHAPTER XXVI., PAGE 380. Most of the following specimens of ancient manuscripts are taken from Scrivener's Introduction to the Criticism of the New Testament. No. (1) is from Tischendorf s Novum Testamentum Graece ex Sinaitico Codice; Nos. (2) and (11) from Smith's Dictionary of the Bible; and No. (5) from Horne's Introduction, Vol. IV. No. (1). PLATE I. SINAI CODEX, Century IV. Heb. 12:27-29. Notice the occasional use of very small letters. In
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the Pharisees and to the People - on the Way to Jerusalem: the Parable
(ST. Matt. xix. 30, xx. 16; St. Matt. xxi. 28-32; St. Mark xii. 1-12; St. Luke xx. 9-19; St. Matt. xxii. 1-14.) ALTHOUGH it may not be possible to mark their exact succession, it will be convenient here to group together the last series of Parables. Most, if not all of them, were spoken on that third day in Passion week: the first four to a more general audience; the last three (to be treated in another chapter) to the disciples, when, on the evening of that third day, on the Mount of Olives, [5286]
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Wherefore I Cannot Indeed Say, of Females who have Fallen Away from a Better...
14. Wherefore I cannot indeed say, of females who have fallen away from a better purpose, in case they shall have married, that they are adulteries, not marriages; but I plainly would not hesitate to say, that departures and fallings away from a holier chastity, which is vowed unto the Lord, are worse than adulteries. For if, what may no way be doubted, it pertains unto an offense against Christ, when a member of Him keepeth not faith to her husband; how much graver offense is it against Him, when
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Difficulties and Objections
"Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not My way equal? are not your ways unequal?" (Ezek. 18:25). A convenient point has been reached when we may now examine, more definitely, some of the difficulties encountered and the objections which might be advanced against what we have written in previous pages. The author deemed it better to reserve these for a separate consideration rather than deal with them as he went along, requiring as that would have done the
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Synopsis. --Account to be Made of the Law of Atrophy through Disuse. --The virgin Birth and the Corporeal Resurrection of Jesus
VII SYNOPSIS.--Account to be made of the law of atrophy through disuse.--The virgin birth and the corporeal resurrection of Jesus, the two miracles now insisted on as the irreducible minimum, affected by this law.--The vital truths of the incarnation and immortality independent of these miracles.--These truths now placed on higher ground in a truer conception of the supernatural.--The true supernatural is the spiritual, not the miraculous.--Scepticism bred from the contrary view.--The miracle narratives,
James Morris Whiton—Miracles and Supernatural Religion

Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting.
Holy feasting is a solemn thanksgiving, appointed by authority, to be rendered to God on some special day, for some extraordinary blessings or deliverances received. Such among the Jews was the feast of the Passover (Exod. xii. 15), to remember to praise God for their deliverance out of Egypt's bondage; or the feast of Purim (Esth. ix. 19, 21), to give thanks for their deliverance from Haman's conspiracy. Such amongst us is the fifth of November, to praise God for the deliverance of the king and
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision A. Jesus Cleanses the Temple. ^D John II. 13-25. ^d 13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand [We get our information as to the length of our Lord's ministry from John's Gospel. He groups his narrative around six Jewish festivals: 1, He here mentions the first passover; 2, another feast, which we take to have been also a passover (v. 1); 3, another passover (vi. 4); 4, the feast of tabernacles (vii. 2); 5, dedication (x. 22); 6, passover (xi. 55). This
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
(Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision B. Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection. ^A Matt. XXII. 23-33; ^B Mark XII. 18-27; ^C Luke XX. 27-39. ^a 23 On that day there came { ^b come} unto him ^c certain of the the Sadducees, they that { ^b who} say there is no resurrection [As to the Sadducees, see p. 71. We may regard their attitude toward Christ as expressed by their leader Caiaphas, see p. 528]; and they asked him, saying, 19 Teacher, Moses wrote unto us [See Deut. xxv. 5,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The King on his Throne.
"Crown Him with many crowns, The King upon His Throne." When the time came for our Blessed Lord to return into Heaven again, He ascended in the presence of His Apostles, whilst in the act of blessing them; "and a cloud received Him out of their sight" (Acts i. 9). And, we are told, they "returned to Jerusalem with great joy" (S. Luke xxiv. 52), not sorrowing as before at His being taken from them. And when we consider what His Ascension implied, we can see that they had good reason for their joy.
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

The Barren Fig-Tree;
OR, THE DOOM AND DOWNFALL OF THE FRUITLESS PROFESSOR: SHOWING, THAT THE DAY OF GRACE MAY BE PAST WITH HIM LONG BEFORE HIS LIFE IS ENDED; THE SIGNS ALSO BY WHICH SUCH MISERABLE MORTALS MAY BE KNOWN. BY JOHN BUNYAN 'Who being dead, yet speaketh.'--Hebrews 11:4 London: Printed for J. Robinson, at the Golden Lion, in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1688. This Title has a broad Black Border. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This solemn, searching, awful treatise, was published by Bunyan in 1682; but does not appear
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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