Luke Chapter 20

The Authority of Jesus Challenged:
(Read Luke 20: 1-26)
After Jesus cleansed the temple, the Jewish authorities challenged Jesus to identify the source of his authority. Christ cleverly refused to answer and countered with a question about whether John the Baptist’s ministry was of God or not. Since they refused to answer Jesus, they do not deserve further revelation from him. Jesus told a parable to show the hypocrisy of Israel’s leadership. The religious leaders knew that they were the wicked murderers in the parable.  They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman authority so he could be arrested. They asked, “Is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government?”  Jesus asked them to show a Roman coin and said whose picture was stamped on it?” They replied “Caesar’s”.  Jesus said “Give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God the things that are God’s”.  They marveled at his answer and no one dared to ask him anymore.  To learn more read notes on Matthew 21: 23-46. Christians are the citizens of heaven.  They are also required to obey the earthly authorities yet they should not compromise their identity with Christ (Romans 13:1-7).  God is able to accomplish his purposes always.  Those who oppose the gospel will not be victorious in the end. Pray that God would help you to remain faithful to him despite all temptations.
 
Jesus Answers the Sadducees:
(Read Luke 20: 27-47)
Sadducees asked Jesus questions about marriage relationships in resurrection.  The Sadducees were the Jewish religious liberals of that day. They denied resurrection, angel, and the spirit (Act 23:8). According to the law, a man is required to marry his brother’s widow to raise children for his brother (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).  “There were seven brothers and each married the widow before they died. Finally the woman also died.  To trap Jesus they asked "In resurrection whose wife will the woman? For seven had her as their wife”.  Jesus said in resurrection there is neither married nor given in marriage. They are like angels.  Angels cannot die or marry.  When God referred to himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,  He is  meant to be the God of the living.  Jesus used Scripture and logic to correct and silence the Sadducees. No one dared to ask Jesus any more questions. Those who die in Christ are at home with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). The blessings of the gospel go beyond this short life in this fallen world.  Dead believers will be raised to life when Christ returns. This is achieved through the resurrection power of Christ, who is the first fruit of the harvest (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).  They will receive a glorified body like the body of Christ (Revelations 21:1-2).   Christ’s resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all believers.  Jesus asked the scribes “How can they say that Christ is David’s son?  Since David called him my Lord, how can he be his son at the same time?”  They could not answer. Jesus said to his disciples “Beware of these false religious teachers.  They seek public recognition and honor. Their punishment will be greater”. To learn more read note on Matthew 22:23-33.
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