Four Days to the Crucifixion
Luke 20:1-48 – May 29, 2022
Background: This takes place days before Jesus’ crucifixion on the 14th day of Nissan. Exodus 12:3-6, tells us on the 10th Nissan the lamb was to be selected and that is the day for this chapter.
Luke 20:1-8. Two questions, both without an answer. But Jesus will answer their question about His authority twice over. First in the parable in the next 8 verses and again near the end of this chapter.
Luke 20:9-16. When Jesus presented this parable, everyone heard it, but it was directed at the Pharisees and the teachers of the law which is revealed in the next three verses.
But before we go there let’s look at this parable and see what is says about sin and about God.
Luke 20:17-19. Verse 17 quotes Psalm 118:22 which once meant Israel rejected by the nations, but now means the Messiah, Jesus, rejected by Israel. Let’s also look at Isaiah 28:16, So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.
And 1 Corinthians 1:23, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.
One more, Acts 4:10-12, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Luke 20:20-26. Two images, one of Caesar and another, left unsaid, but everyone there would know of it, Genesis 1:27, 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. What did that mean then and now?
Luke 20:27-40. All based upon the Law of Moses in Deuteronomy 2:5-10, known as the Levirate Marriage Law. This is found in Ruth 4, where it is refused because the one was concerned about the inheritance of his property, so Boaz claimed the widow Ruth and the properties associated with her mother-in-law – Naomi. Boaz and Ruth had a son Obed, who was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Luke 20:41-44. Here Jesus once again answers the question of His authority as David’s son is somehow more than just his son, but also the son of God. Wholly man and wholly God.
Luke 20:45-48 Be careful of listening to authority figures. Don’t go looking for what God says in the Bible. Know the Bible is God’s word throughout. When Jesus said They devour widows’ houses and These men will be punished most severely, He truly meant it. Consider Ezekiel 16:49-50, 49 Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.50 They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.
What are we to make of all of this? First of all we don’t want to be like the tenants, in sin, growing increasing sin. Next, we need to remember we are made in God’s image so while we will pay our taxes, we should acknowledge every single day we belong to God. And as such live in such a way that pleases God and glorifies Him, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.