ScriptureDepth's study of Luke 20
“He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Luke 20:25
Jesus speaks to those questioning him about paying taxes, declaring that one must give to 'Caesar' what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God.
What Luke 20 is about
The priests and scribes challenge Jesus' authority while he teaches in the temple (vv. 1-8). They ask him by what authority he acts, but he counters with a question about John's baptism. Unable to answer without implicating themselves, they refuse to respond. Jesus then tells a parable about a vineyard owner who sends servants to collect fruit, only for the tenants to mistreat them. The owner ultimately sends his son, whom they kill (vv. 9-18). The chief priests seek to arrest him, fearing the people's reaction. They try to trap him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, but Jesus cleverly responds to give to Caesar what is his and to God what is God's (vv. 19-26). The Sadducees then pose a question about the resurrection, which Jesus answers by affirming that God is the God of the living (vv. 27-40). Finally, Jesus questions how David can call the Messiah his Lord, and warns about the hypocrisy of the scribes (vv. 41-47).
The chapter leaves the reader holding the challenge of recognizing Jesus' authority and the nature of true allegiance to God.
Luke 20 at a glance
- Luke 20:1–8Challenge to Jesus' Authority
- Luke 20:9–18The Parable of the Tenants
- Luke 20:19–26Trap About Taxes
- Luke 20:27–40Question on Resurrection
- Luke 20:41–47David's Son and Scribes' Hypocrisy
Key verse: Luke 20:25
One thing to notice
Verses 1-3 show the priests and scribes questioning Jesus about His authority, asking, 'By what authority do you do these things?' They confront Him directly, seeking to challenge His actions and teachings. This exchange sets up a series of disputes throughout the chapter.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Luke 20 (WEB)
Challenge to Jesus' Authority Luke 20:1–8
1Verse 1. On one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the Good News, the priests and scribes came to him with the elders. 2Verse 2. They asked him, “Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?” 3Verse 3. He answered them, “I also will ask you one question. Tell me: 4Verse 4. the baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?” 5Verse 5. They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ 6Verse 6. But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.”
7Verse 7. They answered that they didn’t know where it was from. 8Verse 8. Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
The Parable of the Tenants Luke 20:9–18
9Verse 9. He began to tell the people this parable. “A man planted a vineyard, and rented it out to some farmers, and went into another country for a long time. 10Verse 10. At the proper season, he sent a servant to the farmers to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the farmers beat him, and sent him away empty. 11Verse 11. He sent yet another servant, and they also beat him, and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. 12Verse 12. He sent yet a third, and they also wounded him, and threw him out. 13Verse 13. The lord of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. It may be that seeing him, they will respect him.’
14Verse 14. “But when the farmers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15Verse 15. They threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do to them? 16Verse 16. He will come and destroy these farmers, and will give the vineyard to others.” When they heard it, they said, “May it never be!” 17Verse 17. But he looked at them, and said, “Then what is this that is written, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the chief cornerstone?’ 18Verse 18. Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but it will crush whomever it falls on to dust.”
Trap About Taxes Luke 20:19–26
19Verse 19. The chief priests and the scribes sought to lay hands on him that very hour, but they feared the people—for they knew he had spoken this parable against them. 20Verse 20. They watched him, and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor. 21Verse 21. They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. 22Verse 22. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
23Verse 23. But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test me? 24Verse 24. Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” 25Verse 25. He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26Verse 26. They weren’t able to trap him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer, and were silent.
Question on Resurrection Luke 20:27–40
27Verse 27. Some of the Sadducees came to him, those who deny that there is a resurrection. 28Verse 28. They asked him, “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should take the wife, and raise up children for his brother. 29Verse 29. There were therefore seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died childless. 30Verse 30. The second took her as wife, and he died childless. 31Verse 31. The third took her, and likewise the seven all left no children, and died. 32Verse 32. Afterward the woman also died.
33Verse 33. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them will she be? For the seven had her as a wife.” 34Verse 34. Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry, and are given in marriage. 35Verse 35. But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage. 36Verse 36. For they can’t die any more, for they are like the angels, and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37Verse 37. But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord ‘The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’
38Verse 38. Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him.” 39Verse 39. Some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you speak well.” 40Verse 40. They didn’t dare to ask him any more questions.
David's Son and Scribes' Hypocrisy Luke 20:41–47
41Verse 41. He said to them, “Why do they say that the Christ is David’s son? 42Verse 42. David himself says in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 43Verse 43. until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”’ 44Verse 44. “David therefore calls him Lord, so how is he his son?” 45Verse 45. In the hearing of all the people, he said to his disciples, 46Verse 46. “Beware of those scribes who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts;
47Verse 47. who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these will receive greater condemnation.”
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Luke 20
authority of Jesus
In Luke 20, the question of Jesus' authority arises in v. 2, when the priests and scribes ask him, 'by what authority do you do these things?' Jesus responds with a question about the 'baptism of John' in v. 4, challenging their understanding and authority. The chapter continues to affirm his authority through the parable of the tenants in vv. 9-18, portraying the rejection of God’s messengers and ultimately his son.
rejection of God's messengers
In the parable of the tenants in vv. 9-12, the farmers mistreat and reject the servants sent by the vineyard owner, illustrating a pattern of rejecting God's messengers. Their intent to kill the son in v. 14 reveals their ultimate rejection of divine authority. Jesus warns of the consequences of such rejection in v. 16, making clear that their actions lead to dire outcomes.
faith and hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is addressed in v. 46, where Jesus warns his disciples about the scribes who seek honor and devour widows’ houses while pretending to be righteous. Their insincerity is evident in v. 21, as they call him 'Teacher' while attempting to trap him. This contrast highlights the disparity between genuine faith and the false piety exhibited by religious leaders.
resurrection and eternal life
The Sadducees question Jesus about the resurrection in vv. 27-33, testing his views on life after death. Jesus asserts in v. 36 that those who are 'children of the resurrection' cannot die anymore, pointing to their transformation in the afterlife. By referencing Moses in v. 37, Jesus affirms the reality of resurrection and illustrates God's ongoing relationship with the living.
Chapter outline
How Luke 20 unfolds
Luke 20:1–8 Challenge to Jesus' Authority
The priests, scribes, and elders question Jesus' authority (vv. 1-2). Jesus counters with a question about John's baptism, revealing their fear of public opinion, leading them to say, 'We don’t know' (vv. 4-7), causing Jesus to withhold his answer (v. 8).
Luke 20:9–18 The Parable of the Tenants
Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who sends servants to collect fruit but is met with violence (vv. 9-12). The owner's beloved son is killed, and Jesus cites scripture about a rejected stone becoming the cornerstone (vv. 13-18).
Luke 20:19–26 Trap About Taxes
The chief priests and scribes try to trap Jesus with a question about taxes (v. 20). Jesus asks for a denarius, affirming civic and divine obligations, leading them to be amazed and silent (vv. 24-26).
Luke 20:27–40 Question on Resurrection
The Sadducees question Jesus about marriage after resurrection (vv. 27-33). Jesus explains that those in the resurrection are like angels and cites Moses to affirm the resurrection, resulting in silence from his questioners (vv. 35-40).
Luke 20:41–47 David's Son and Scribes' Hypocrisy
Jesus challenges the understanding of the Messiah as David's son by referencing Psalm 110, questioning why David calls him Lord (vv. 41-44). He warns against the scribes' hypocrisy, condemning their self-serving behaviors and love for prominence (vv. 46-47).
Key verses
Luke 20:25Jesus speaks to those questioning him about paying taxes, declaring that one must give to 'Caesar' what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Luke 20
- observeIn v2, what do the priests and scribes ask Jesus about?
- observeWhat does Jesus say about the baptism of John in v4?
- interpretIn vv. 15-16, what does the lord of the vineyard's reaction suggest about judgment?
- interpretIn v38, how does Jesus’ reference to Moses influence the discussion about resurrection?
- applyWhen have you felt pressure to answer a challenging question like in v22?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Luke 20
- Mark 12Luke 20:17 and Mark 12:10Both quote the stone rejected by builders: Luke 20:17 says ‘the stone which the builders rejected’, while Mark 12:10 says ‘the stone which the builders rejected’.
- Matthew 22Luke 20:34 and Matthew 22:30Both mention marrying in this age: Luke 20:34 says ‘The children of this age marry’, while Matthew 22:30 states ‘in the resurrection they neither marry’.
- Matthew 21Luke 20:17 and Matthew 21:42Both reference the stone rejected by builders: Luke 20:17 says ‘the stone which the builders rejected’, while Matthew 21:42 states ‘the stone which the builders rejected’.
- Isaiah 28Luke 20:17 and Isaiah 28:16Both talk about a cornerstone laid in Zion: Luke 20:17 mentions ‘the stone which the builders rejected’, while Isaiah 28:16 states ‘a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation’.
- Psalm 118Luke 20:17 and Psalm 118:22Both proclaim the stone rejected by builders: Luke 20:17 states ‘the stone which the builders rejected’, while Psalm 118:22 says ‘the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’.
- Psalm 110Luke 20:42 and Psalm 110:1Both reference the Lord speaking to David's Lord: Luke 20:42 says ‘The Lord said to my Lord’, while Psalm 110:1 states ‘Yahweh says to my Lord’.
Related chapters
Chapters that connect with Luke 20
Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth
Where to go from here
- Luke: the whole bookLuke alone tells us his method.
- 30-Day Gospel Journey, day 22Day 22 of 30: Zacchaeus and the Temple.
- SalvationWhat the Bible says about salvation, with verses.
- Common Bible questionsThe questions people bring to Bible study, each answered from the text.
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