Luke 21 is a significant chapter in the Gospel of Luke, often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" or the "Eschatological Discourse." Here's a brief overview of the chapter:
**Jesus' Prediction of Jerusalem's Destruction (Luke 21:5-6)**
The chapter begins with Jesus teaching in the Temple area, where he predicts the destruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. He warns that these events will be a sign of his return.
**Signs of the End Times (Luke 21:7-11)**
Jesus then lists several signs that will precede the end of the age:
1. Wars and rumors of wars
2. Earthquakes
3. Famines
4. Pestilences
5. Fearsome sights and great signs from heaven
**The Great Tribulation (Luke 21:12-24)**
Jesus describes a period of great tribulation that will occur before his return:
1. False prophets will arise, leading many astray
2. Many will turn away from the faith
3. The love of most people will grow cold
4. The gospel will be preached to all nations, and then the end will come
**Watchfulness (Luke 21:25-36)**
Jesus concludes by emphasizing the importance of watchfulness and readiness:
1. Be alert, because you don't know when the time will come
2. Pray that you may be counted worthy to escape the coming judgment
3. Stay vigilant, for the Son of Man will appear at an unexpected hour
**The Return of Jesus (Luke 21:27-33)**
The chapter ends with Jesus' promise to return and gather his people:
1. He will send out his angels to gather his elect from all nations
2. His coming will be like lightning, shining brightly in the sky
3. Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples will mourn for themselves
Overall, Luke 21 presents a solemn warning about the end times and the importance of staying vigilant and ready for Jesus' return.
Luke 20 is a significant chapter in the Gospel of Luke, as it contains Jesus' encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Here's a brief overview of the chapter:
**Jesus Teaches on Caesar and God (Luke 20:19-26)**
In this section, Jesus is asked about paying taxes to Caesar. The Pharisees are trying to trap Him into saying something that would get Him in trouble with either the Romans or the Jews. Jesus responds by asking for a denarius, which was the common Roman coin used as currency. He then asks whose image and inscription are on the coin, and when they reply "Caesar's," He says, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Luke 20:25). This famous phrase emphasizes Jesus' teaching that we owe allegiance to both earthly authorities and God.
**The Question about Resurrection (Luke 20:27-40)**
In this section, a Sadducee asks Jesus a question about the resurrection. The Sadducees did not believe in an afterlife or the resurrection of the dead. They were trying to trap Jesus into saying something that would get Him in trouble with Jewish tradition. Jesus responds by pointing out that God is not the God of the dead but of the living (Luke 20:38), and that there will be a future time when God will raise both the righteous and the wicked to face judgment.
**The Question about the Messiah's Authority (Luke 20:41-44)**
In this section, Jesus is asked by the Pharisees if David calls Him "Lord." Jesus responds by saying that David himself called His future offspring "Lord" in Psalm 110:1. This shows that Jesus is the divine Son of God, just as He claimed.
**The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:45-47)**
In this section, Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who sends his servants to collect some rent from the tenants. The tenants, however, beat and kill these servants. Finally, the owner sends his son, thinking that they will respect him. But they also kill the son. This parable illustrates the Jews' rejection of Jesus as their Messiah.
**Jesus' Authority Questioned (Luke 20:48-47)**
In this section, the Pharisees and Sadducees are furious with Jesus for His teachings, which they see as a challenge to their authority. They plot to kill Him. This marks the beginning of Jesus' journey towards His crucifixion.
Some possible commentary points on Luke 20:
1. **Jesus' teachings were not just about abstract concepts**: In this chapter, we see Jesus teaching about real-life issues like paying taxes and answering questions about the afterlife. This shows that His teachings are not just theoretical but have practical implications for our daily lives.
2. **The Pharisees and Sadducees were trying to trap Jesus**: The Pharisees and Sadducees were trying to get Jesus into trouble with either Roman authorities or Jewish tradition. However, Jesus was able to see through their tricks and respond in a way that demonstrated His authority and wisdom.
3. **Jesus is the divine Son of God**: In this chapter, we see Jesus claiming His divinity by pointing out that David called Him "Lord" in Psalm 110:1. This emphasizes Jesus' unique status as both human and divine.
4. **The rejection of Jesus as Messiah**: The parable about the wicked tenants illustrates the Jews' rejection of Jesus as their Messiah. This is a powerful reminder that many people will reject God's offer of salvation, just like the Pharisees and Sadducees did.
Some possible applications from Luke 20:
1. **Be careful how we respond to challenges**: The Pharisees and Sadducees were trying to trap Jesus with questions and challenges. However, Jesus responded in a way that demonstrated His authority and wisdom. This reminds us to be careful how we respond to challenges and difficulties in our own lives.
2. **Prioritize God's kingdom**: Jesus' teachings emphasized the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom above all else. As believers, this means that we should focus on building God's kingdom through our actions and decisions.
3. **Be prepared to face opposition**: The Pharisees and Sadducees were furious with Jesus for His teachings, which ultimately led to His crucifixion. This reminds us that as believers, we will likely face opposition and challenges in our own lives. We must be prepared to stand firm in our faith and trust in God's sovereignty.
Some possible sermon or study ideas based on Luke 20:
1. **"Render unto Caesar": A Study on Stewardship**: Explore what it means to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Luke 20:25). How do we balance our responsibilities in this world with our ultimate allegiance to God?
2. **The Parable of the Wicked Tenants: A Study on Rejection**: Examine the parable about the wicked tenants and its application to our own lives. What does it mean when we reject Jesus as our Messiah, just like the Pharisees and Sadducees did? How can we avoid rejecting God's offer of salvation?
3. **"Who is This?" A Study on Jesus' Authority**: Explore Jesus' teachings in Luke 20:41-44, where He claims to be the divine Son of God. What does this mean for our own lives? How can we respond to challenges and difficulties with confidence in Jesus' authority?
Luke 20 in the NKJV (New King James Version) is a wonderful chapter that contains some powerful teachings and encounters between Jesus and the people around Him. Here's a brief overview:
**Jesus Confronts the Pharisees**
In verses 1-8, Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who sends his servants to collect fruit from tenants (representing the Jewish leaders). The tenants mistreat the servants, leading the owner to send his own son. When the tenants kill the son, the owner destroys them and gives the vineyard to others.
This parable is an allegory for God's relationship with Israel and His ultimate judgment on those who reject Him. Jesus is saying that the Pharisees are like the wicked tenants, and they will face God's wrath if they don't repent.
**The Widow's Mite**
In verses 19-26, Jesus observes people putting money into the treasury at the Temple. A poor widow puts in two small coins (mites), which amounts to a significant sacrifice for her. Jesus commends her generosity, saying that she has given more than all the others because of her poverty.
**The Sadducees and Marriage**
In verses 27-39, Jesus is asked about the resurrection by a group of Sadducees who don't believe in it. They present a scenario where seven brothers marry the same woman after each brother dies without children. The Sadducees ask Jesus whose wife she would be in heaven.
Jesus answers that there is no marriage or giving and taking in heaven, as we are like angels. He then points out the ignorance of the Sadducees, saying that they don't know the Scriptures or the power of God. This encounter shows Jesus' authority over all aspects of life, including death and eternity.
**The Authority to Judge**
In verses 41-44, Jesus asks the Pharisees whose picture is on a coin. They answer that it's Caesar's. Jesus then says that they should give back what belongs to Caesar, implying that they are using God's things for their own purposes. He warns them not to make His Father's house a den of thieves, indicating that their actions will have consequences.
**The Authority of the Son**
In verses 45-47, Jesus claims divine authority, saying that if they knew who He was, they would know the One sent by God. This declaration highlights Jesus' unique role as the Messiah and the Son of God.
Overall, Luke 20 shows Jesus confronting the Pharisees and Sadducees about their misunderstandings of God's kingdom and their own relationship with Him. It also emphasizes His divine authority and the importance of living according to His teachings.
Luke 20 is a significant chapter in the Gospel of Luke that contains several important teachings and interactions between Jesus and others. Here's a brief summary:
**Jesus' Authority Questioned (Luke 20:1-8)**
The Pharisees, who were trying to trap Jesus into saying something wrong, sent some of their followers to ask Him about His authority to teach and perform miracles. Jesus responded by asking them whose image was on the coins used for taxes. They replied that Caesar's image was on the coins. Then Jesus said that if they gave back to God what belongs to God (the temple tax), then they should give it back to Caesar as well, implying that they were trying to avoid paying their fair share of taxes while also seeking to discredit Jesus.
**The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:9-19)**
Jesus told a parable about a vineyard owner who sent his servants to collect the rent from the tenants. The tenants, however, beat and killed the servants. Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking that they would show some respect to him. But the tenants murdered the son as well. Jesus used this story to illustrate the rejection of God's prophets and His ultimate judgment on those who refused to accept Him.
**Jesus' Authority Affirmed (Luke 20:20-26)**
The Pharisees asked Jesus about John the Baptist, wondering if He was the Messiah or Elijah or another prophet. Jesus responded that John was the greatest of all the prophets, but that his ministry was a preparation for His own ministry. Then Jesus asked them whose son the Messiah would be, and they replied that He would be the Son of David. Jesus concluded by saying that the Messiah's authority came from God, not from human relationships.
**The Question About Paying Taxes (Luke 20:25-26)**
The Sadducees, who didn't believe in the resurrection, asked Jesus about a woman who had been married seven times and whose husband would be in heaven. They wanted to know which one of these husbands she would be married to in the afterlife. Jesus replied that they were mistaken about the nature of the resurrection, as there will be no marriage or giving in marriage in the afterlife.
**Jesus' Warning Against Corrupting God's Message (Luke 20:27-38)**
The Sadducees asked Jesus a question about the resurrection again, but this time He used it to warn them against corrupting God's message. Jesus said that those who are considered worthy of participating in the new life will be like angels, not husbands or wives.
**Jesus' Authority Over All (Luke 20:39-44)**
The Pharisees and Sadducees were amazed by Jesus' teaching and wisdom. Some of them even wanted to take Him away, but they couldn't because His authority came from God, not from human power or influence.
Luke 20 in the King James Version (KJV) is a chapter that contains several interesting stories and teachings. Here's a brief summary:
**The Parable of the Vineyard Workers (Luke 20:1-16)**
Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who hires workers for his vineyard at different times of the day. The early workers agree to work for a denarius, while those hired later in the day are paid the same wage despite working fewer hours. When the workers complain, Jesus says that God is fair and just, and that all people will receive equal reward for their good deeds, regardless of when they did them.
**The Question about Paying Taxes (Luke 20:19-26)**
The Pharisees ask Jesus if it's right to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds by asking whose image is on the coin, saying that since it's Caesar's image, people should give back what belongs to him. This question was a test of whether Jesus would acknowledge Roman authority or not.
**The Question about Resurrection (Luke 20:27-40)**
The Sadducees, who don't believe in an afterlife, ask Jesus about the resurrection. They propose a scenario where seven brothers marry and die without having children, asking whose wife she would be in heaven since they all married the same woman. Jesus responds that there will be no marriage or giving of wives in heaven, as people will be like angels.
**The Question about the Messiah (Luke 20:41-44)**
Jesus is asked who is his father and what he does. Jesus responds by asking them whose son Jesus is and what Jesus does, saying that they would answer correctly ("God's") but not realize that God is one, not three as they believed.
**The Authority of Jesus (Luke 20:45-47)**
Jesus asks the Sadducees a question about John the Baptist: Whose wife will she be? This prompts them to realize their error in thinking that there would be marriage and giving of wives in heaven. Jesus then criticizes the Pharisees for not doing what they say, but rather following their own traditions.
**The Authority of the Messiah (Luke 20:45-47)**
Jesus says that all things must be done under the authority of God the Father. He declares that if people don't do this, they are like a house built on sand, which will fall when the winds blow.
Luke 20 is a rich chapter in the Gospel of Luke, and it's wonderful that you're interested in exploring it further through the Enduring Word commentary.
For those who may not be familiar, Enduring Word is a trusted Bible study resource that provides verse-by-verse commentary on each book of the Bible. Their commentary on Luke 20 offers valuable insights into the text, including historical context, theological themes, and practical applications for our lives today.
Some of the key topics covered in Luke 20 include:
1. The Pharisees' question about taxes: Jesus responds to the Pharisees' attempt to trap Him with a clever answer that highlights His divine authority.
2. The parable of the tenants: This famous parable teaches us about God's patience and judgment, as well as our responsibility to care for His vineyard (the world).
3. The widow's mite: Jesus commends the poor widow who gave her last two coins to God's temple, demonstrating the true nature of worship and generosity.
4. The Sadducees' question about the afterlife: Jesus answers their skepticism by highlighting the importance of believing in and obeying God's Word, rather than relying on human tradition or speculation.
If you're looking for a deeper understanding of these passages and how they apply to our lives today, I highly recommend checking out the Enduring Word commentary on Luke 20. It's an excellent resource that will help you grow in your faith and deepen your appreciation for God's Word.
Here is the King James Version (KJV) of Luke chapter 20, along with an audio version:
**Text:**
Luke 20 (King James Version)
1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he sat teaching in the temple, and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him, and said unto him, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? for who is that which hath given thee this authority?
2 And Jesus answered them, saying, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, all shall be well with you: but lest ye should fail to answer, ye are not worthy of the kingdom of God. Whence take ye the power to judge? for thou thyself art not faithful.
3 And they said unto him, We have no man that is worthy as thou art; and therefore hast thou a false witness about thee, but our law hath given us a testimony. That these should be first who trust in riches: that they should set their hearts upon the void.
4 And he said unto them in parables, O ye fools and slow of heart to understand! ye do not look unto it beheld; for the works which ye have seen are done while ye are present, but the things that will be done after you will not he said, That this generation shall not receive.
5 Then said they unto him, What shall these say when the time of inquiry and judgment cometh? Therefore doth he say that the work which is wrought, shall not be undone; because it was to our fathers, but what we have, hath already been written in the law.
6 And yet so much trouble thou hast given us! The more a man hath, the more will be required of him: and whose hath nothing, from him also nothing will be taken.
7 He said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear!
8 Then began he to speak to them in parables. A certain man planted a fig tree in his vineyard; and when it had brought forth no fruit, he came and sought fruit upon it, and found none.
9 And again he entered into the temple, and as he passed by the people, they asked him, saying, Which is the greatest commandment?
10 And Jesus said unto them, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.
11 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt not be a false witness against thy neighbour.
12 And there was one of the lawyers which didst come to him, and asked him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
13 He said unto him, What commandment is the first of all?
14 Jesus answered, That thou shouldst love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment.
15 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt not be a false witness against thy neighbour.
16 They said unto him, Master, thou hast well said that he is one; and yet we know that God is one in the flesh, and there are three in heaven: and thus shall ye be done to you if ye believe on the Son of God.
17 Then he said unto them, Therefore speak I for this reason also, that ye all should be convinced that ye are wrong.
18 There is none good but one, that is, God. And if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
19 He answered and said unto them, What shall my behaviour be? What shall I do to inherit eternal life?
20 They say unto him, What shall we do? for he knew that they had given a bad answer and were not worthy of the kingdom of God.
21 But he looking upon them with love said, What is written in the law how thou art supposed to love thy neighbour as thyself?
22 And he answering said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: there is more than these, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these.
23 When Jesus heard those things, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. For someone who is willing to do what is right and good is close to entering the kingdom of God.
24 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, nor holdest any man's person; but thou dost not look unto the face of men.
25 He looked round about on them with love said, What then is this that I should do to inherit eternal life?
26 They said unto him, This thing that I am supposed to do, what shall it be? for he knew that they had given a bad answer and were not worthy of the kingdom of God.
27 Jesus answered, Thou knowest the things that are right and good; thou hast no need that any one should teach thee. For in thy heart thou knowest what is right.
28 He said unto them, This do, and thou shalt live: for it is written, He that shall not see the kingdom of God, he that hath his eyes opened will see.
29 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, I tell you truly, The tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came in the way of righteousness; and ye did not believe him: but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and ye seeing it didst not repent that ye would not even hear.
30 And behold, they were very angry, and they began to seek how they might kill him.
**Audio Version:**
Here is an audio version of Luke chapter 20 in the New International Version (NIV):
https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/niv/mp3/lk/lk.20.mp3
Please note that there are many different translations and recordings available online, so you may find other versions if you search for "Luke 20 NIV audio".
Luke 20!
In this chapter, we see Jesus engaging in a series of debates and conversations with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other Jewish leaders. Here are some key events and teachings:
1. The Parable of the Tenants (Luke 20:9-18): Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who sends his servants to collect the rent from the tenants. The tenants reject the servants and eventually kill them. The owner then sends his son, but they also reject him and kill him. This parable is often seen as a prediction of Jesus' own death and resurrection.
2. The Question about Paying Taxes (Luke 20:19-26): The Pharisees ask Jesus if it's right to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds by asking whose image is on the coins they use to buy things. When they say "Caesar's," Jesus says, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Luke 20:25). This response shows that Jesus is acknowledging the authority of both human governments and God.
3. The Question about Resurrection (Luke 20:27-40): A Sadducee asks Jesus about the resurrection, claiming that there won't be a resurrection because people will no longer have families or marry in heaven. Jesus responds by saying that at the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage, but they will be like angels in heaven (Luke 20:34-36). He then emphasizes the importance of believing in and obeying God's word.
4. The Question about Messiahship (Luke 20:41-44): Some Sadducees ask Jesus if David called the Messiah "Lord" in Psalm 110:1, even though David was referring to his own descendant. Jesus responds by saying that David called him "Lord" because he recognized that the Messiah would be greater than himself.
5. The Question about Authority (Luke 20:45-47): The Pharisees ask Jesus where his authority comes from. Jesus responds by asking them a question: "Did we not rightly say to you, 'The Son of Man must suffer and rise again, and this is the third day he will be raised'?" (Luke 20:13). He's pointing out that they had predicted his suffering, death, and resurrection, which gives him the authority to teach.
Overall, Luke 20 highlights Jesus' wisdom, authority, and prophetic ministry as he confronts the religious leaders of his time.