October 2, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 20
1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?
3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?
6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
9 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 also, and cast him out.
13 Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.
14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
15 So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
16 He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.
17 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
19 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.
20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s.
25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.
26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
28 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
30 And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.
31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
32 Last of all the woman died also.
33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.
34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?
42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,
46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
47 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Luke Chapter 20 recounts a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders. This chapter includes questions about Jesus’ authority, the famous parable of the wicked tenants, discussions about paying taxes to Caesar, the resurrection, and the true nature of the Messiah. These events highlight how Jesus reveals the intentions and motives of human hearts while teaching profound truths about the Kingdom of God and life after death.
Commentary
The chapter begins with a challenge from the chief priests and scribes, questioning Jesus’ authority. Instead of giving a direct answer, Jesus asks them a counter-question about John’s baptism, placing them in a dilemma. This shows Jesus’ wisdom and his ability to expose the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.
The parable of the wicked tenants is a powerful illustration accusing Israel’s religious leaders of rejecting God’s prophets and ultimately killing His Son (Jesus). The stone that the builders rejected becomes the cornerstone—a symbol of Jesus’ rejection and ultimate exaltation.
In the discussion about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus once again demonstrates divine wisdom by establishing the principle of giving to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God—a statement that revolves around the theme of loyalty and authority.
The Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, pose a ridiculous question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus explains that in the coming world, people will not marry but will be like the angels, and God is the God of the living, not the dead.
Finally, Jesus gives a warning against the scribes who display outward piety but are inwardly corrupt. They use their religious position for personal gain, and Jesus foretells their condemnation.
Summary
Luke Chapter 20 highlights the confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders regarding His authority, the handling of worldly and divine authority, and the resurrection. Jesus responds wisely to their challenges, exposing their hypocrisy and emphasizing key truths of faith. The chapter concludes with a serious warning against false piety, which leads to greater condemnation.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 66—Controversy
This chapter is based on Matthew 22:15-46; Mark 12:13-40; Luke 20:20-47
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 66 describes the increasing confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, based on the accounts in Matthew 22, Mark 12, and Luke 20. These confrontations illustrate the attempts by the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees to embarrass and trap Jesus through cunning questions. Jesus meets these challenges with wisdom and authority and lays out fundamental principles for the relationship between humans and God and with secular authority.
Commentary:
In this chapter, the Pharisees and their allies attempt to trap Jesus with a question about tax obligations to the Roman emperor. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and provides a profound answer: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” He separates worldly duties from divine ones without diminishing loyalty to God. This demonstrates the duality of a believer’s responsibilities in the world.
Subsequently, the Sadducees attack by posing a question about the resurrection, which they themselves deny. Jesus’ response highlights the spiritual nature of eternal life and refutes their materialistic viewpoint. He emphasizes that different principles apply in the Kingdom of God than in earthly existence. The dispute clarifies the difference between outward ritual and true spiritual understanding.
Finally, a scribe asks Jesus a question about the greatest commandment in the law. Jesus summarizes God’s commandments into two: love for God and love for neighbor. This is the essence of the divine commandments, showing that all commandments are based on love. This statement highlights the inner core of the law and emphasizes that obedience can only truly be fulfilled through love.
Summary:
Chapter 66 depicts the conflicts between Jesus and the religious leaders who tried to bring Him down with deceitful questions. Jesus thwarts their plans with clear, wise answers that reveal deeper truths: the balance between secular and divine authority, the reality of the resurrection, and the essence of the divine commandments rooted in love for God and neighbor. At the end of these confrontations, the religious leaders are left speechless, while Jesus’ teachings continue to testify to truth and clarity.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 67—Woes on the Pharisees
This chapter is based on Matthew 23; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 20:45-47; Luke 21:1-4.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 67 describes Jesus’ final day, during which He teaches in the temple and delivers a powerful condemnation of the hypocrisy and sanctimony of the religious leaders. Jesus speaks bold words, denouncing the Pharisees and scribes for their false, selfish way of life in faith while simultaneously praising humility and true piety. The crowd observing Him is moved by His words, while the religious leaders are exposed and humiliated.
Commentary:
Jesus’ sharp words against the Pharisees and scribes emphasize their hypocrisy, abuse of power, and selfish motives. Although they appear outwardly pious and emphasize religious duties, they do not adhere to these rules themselves. Jesus condemns their love for titles, honors, and external recognition, highlighting true piety, which is demonstrated through humility, mercy, and service.
The episode of the poor widow who throws her last coins into the temple underscores the importance of selfless sacrifice. While the rich give out of their abundance, the widow gives all she has. This shows that God does not evaluate the material value of a sacrifice but the heart and intention behind it.
At the end, Jesus warns of the spiritual decline of the religious leadership, which will lead to the destruction of Jerusalem. His lament over Jerusalem reflects God’s deep sorrow over the obstinacy of His people, who reject His prophets and ultimately His Messiah.
Summary:
Chapter 67 reveals Jesus’ sharp criticism of the religious leaders of His time. He condemns their hypocrisy and abuse of power, making it clear that true greatness lies in serving and humility. The story of the poor widow demonstrates that God values the heart and willingness to sacrifice of His followers, while Jesus prophesies the impending judgment on Jerusalem. This chapter is a poignant call to inner repentance, genuine piety, and the fulfillment of God’s commandments with love and mercy.
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