Jesus - Questions and Answers. (Luke20:20-47)
We've witnessed it countless times, all around the world. A politician calls a press conference, and sure enough, the press congregates, and the questions start flying.
Very quickly it becomes evident that their aim is to not just to scrutinize the politician or uncover any flaws in their position or call out any false statements they make. Instead with one eye to the viewing figures or online clicks the reporters are poised to pounce on any misstep.
This scenario is somewhat reminiscent of what Jesus Christ faced towards the end of his ministry. But it was the Jewish leadership of that day who were determined to undermine him, but they were wary of his immense popularity among the people.
So, fearing a backlash, they devised a series of questions intended to trip him up, not dissimilar to the relentless barrage of a modern-day press conference.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke document this encounter and naturally the focus often falls on the questions posed. However, what truly intrigues me is not just the questions themselves, but Jesus' responses. What wisdom did he impart amidst these adversarial interrogations?
What lessons can we glean from this ancient confrontation now nearly 2000 old?
To uncover these insights, let's turn to Luke's account in chapter 20, starting from verse 20. Let's dive into the exchanges between Jesus and his detractors, and discern the timeless truths embedded within that are still relevant today.
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Paying Taxes to Caesar
20: Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21: So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22: Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23: He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24” “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 25: He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 26: They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.
This passage focuses on two distinct groups questioning Jesus. While Matthew and Mark mention a third group, we'll focus solely on Luke's account. The first group, though unnamed here, is identified in Matthew and Mark as the Herodians. They deploy spies disguised as righteous individuals to entrap Jesus with his words, hoping to then hand him over to the Roman authorities.
These deceptive individuals approach Jesus with flattering words, claiming to acknowledge his integrity in teaching and impartiality. Their seemingly innocent question about whether it's lawful to pay taxes to Caesar masks a cunning trap.
In the volatile climate of Palestine, this question presents a dilemma: if Jesus answers no, he risks angering the Roman authorities; if he says yes, he risks alienating the Jewish populace who despise taxation and expect the Messiah to liberate them from Roman rule.
The complexity of taxation in that era underscores the significance of Jesus' response. Taxes ranged from a ground tax on produce to income tax and levies for infrastructure development. People resented these taxes deeply, much like contemporary sentiments towards taxation.
This question posed to Jesus is specifically designed to exploit this resentment and corner him.
In response, Jesus cleverly just asks for a denarius, a Roman coin, and points out Caesar's image and the inscription on it. By affirming the legitimacy of paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus navigates the trap while also asserting the importance of rendering to God what is God's. So, at the same time he gives a reminder of how spiritual obligations that transcend earthly concerns.
Jesus' response goes beyond mere political manoeuvring; it offers a profound lesson in balancing civic duties with spiritual devotion. By separating secular and divine responsibilities, Jesus not only evades the trap set by his adversaries but also imparts timeless wisdom on navigating the complexities of allegiance to both earthly authorities and give due respect to God, something that we all wrestle with day to day.
Allow me to simplify the situation: Jesus skilfully dodged a bullet here.
When confronted with the question about paying taxes, he acknowledged the legitimacy of Caesar's claim on his own coins bearing his image, while emphasizing the importance of fulfilling obligations to God as well.
Unable to trap him with his response, his adversaries are silenced, knowing they couldn't discredit him in front of the crowd who admired him.
So, what lesson can we draw from this exchange?
It should be no surprise to know that we're all instructed to pay civic and community taxes, as the scripture teaches here. Remember any coin bearing Caesar's image can be returned to him.
Similarly, as human beings made in the image of God, we owe God our allegiance and worship. Because both Caesar and God have rightful claims over what bears their image. This serves as a deep spiritual lesson embedded in the narrative.
Moving on to the second part of this 'press conference,' beginning in verse 27.
The Resurrection and Marriage
27: Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28: “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29: Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30: The second 31: and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32: Finally, the woman died too. 33: Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” 34: Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35: But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36: and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37: But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
39: Some of the teachers of the law responded saying, “Well said, teacher!” 40: And no one dared to ask him any more questions. Whose Son Is the Messiah? 41: Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 4:2 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
43: until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”’
44: David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
(Luke 20: 27-44)
Some Sadducees, who denied the concept of resurrection, presented Jesus with a hypothetical scenario rooted in Mosaic law. They spun a tale of a woman who sequentially married seven brothers, posing the absurd question of whose wife she would be in the afterlife, assuming resurrection.
Jesus's response again deftly sidestepped another trap.
He clarified that marriage, with its purpose of procreation, is a construct of this earthly life. In the resurrection, where death no longer exists, marriage becomes irrelevant.
Furthermore, he explained that those deemed worthy of the next age are glorified like angels, neither marrying nor being given in marriage.
In essence, Jesus dismantled their calculating question by highlighting the fundamental difference between life on earth and the realm of the resurrection.
His response not only invalidated their trap but also provided deep insights into the nature of the afterlife and the divine order of things.
Let's consider this further for a moment.
Despite their disbelief in resurrection, the Sadducees attempted to stump Jesus with a question on the thing they don’t believe in. But Jesus adeptly deflected their trap, using their own scriptures to illustrate the reality of resurrection.
He pointed to the book of Exodus, specifically the burning bush encounter, where God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob demonstrating their continued existence and by affirming that God is not the God of the dead but of the living, Jesus and depth to our understanding of the resurrection.
Remarkably, the scribes acknowledge Jesus's astute response, conceding the round to him. Their silence thereafter indicates a recognition of at the very least Jesus's understanding in handling their religious challenges.
This sequence of questioning showcased Jesus's unrivalled wisdom and leaves his opponents speechless.
Now, it was Jesus's turn to pose a question, this time challenging their understanding of the Messiah's right back at them.
Everyone present likely believed the Messiah was descended from David, but Jesus probed deeper. Quoting Psalm 110, he drew attention to a remarkable declaration by David, where he referred to the Messiah as "My Lord." This statement puzzled Jesus's opponents: how could David's descendant also be his superior?
Jesus's intent here is clear: he was asserting the Messiah's (His own) divine nature.
By highlighting David's acknowledgment of the Messiah's deity (God-ness), Jesus challenged their notions of the Messiah's lineage. The Messiah wasn't merely a descendant of David; he was also the Son of God, an assertion of his divine status.
In essence, Jesus's question wasn't just a theological query; it was a revelation of his own identity. By linking the Messiah's lineage to divine status, Jesus affirmed his own deity making a profound declaration that left his opponents grappling with the implications of his words.
This passage contains a powerful message, because is not only showcases Jesus's wisdom but also revealing his identity as the Messiah.
While Isaiah 53 is often cited as evidence of Jesus's Messianic role, Jesus shows us here that Messianic Psalms like Psalm 110 here also stands as compelling testament to his divine status, remember this is coming directly from Jesus himself.
So again, Jesus skilfully rebuffs the challenges posed by the scribes, but then immediately he issues a warning to his disciples and the crowd, cautioning them against these guys hypocrisy.
Warning Against the Teachers of the Law
45: While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46: “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets. 47: They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
(Luke 20:45-47)
Again, Jesus urges his followers to be wary of these religious leaders, exposing their self-serving nature. Despite Jesus's responses, the scribes remain obstinate.
What we see here is a poignant critique of the scribes' behaviour. Jesus highlights their desire for recognition and prestige, their long robes, there prominent greetings, their special prominent seating in the synagogue, even their feasting privileges.
Their ostentatious displays contrast sharply with their exploitation of vulnerable widows, devouring financial resources under the guise of piety. Jesus's warning is to beware of such hypocrisy and serves as a stark contrast to his own character.
Unlike the scribes, Jesus didn't seek earthly honours or material gain. Instead, he simply humbly served others, teaching without charge and relying on God's provision. His ministry was marked by healings and compassion and stood in stark contrast to the self-serving motives of the religious elite.
So draws this to a conclusion I think that as we reflect on Jesus's words in this passage let's remember the impact his life and teachings are meant to have on our lives.
Despite his humble origins and lack of worldly acclaim, Jesus's influence transcends time and culture. His message of love, redemption, and salvation continues to resonate, shaping the course of human history even today.
It's clear that Jesus's responses to the questions posed to him reveal profound truths about his identity and his mission. From addressing matters of taxation to the intricacies of the afterlife, Jesus not only navigated these questions with wisdom but also used them as opportunities to teach and to challenge and to enlighten his audience.
Indeed, amidst the questions posed by the scribes, Jesus posed the most crucial question of all: Who is the Messiah?
Yet, the scribes, blinded by their pride and self-absorption, remained silent, unable to grasp the significance of Jesus's question.
So what possible lessons we can derive from this passage or are there any practical applications?
Well, it should remind us of the importance of fulfilling our civic duties and honouring God with our lives.
It also underscores the necessity of discerning between genuine inquiries and frivolous even dubious ones. And certainly, it serves as a proof text for Jesus's identity as the Messiah.
However, perhaps the most fundamental takeaway is it flags up the principal of just asking genuine questions. Throughout the Bible, questions serve as avenues for seeking understanding, probing deeper into truth, and fostering growth in faith. From the psalmists to Jesus himself, questions abound, inviting us to engage with the divine and wrestle with the complexities of life.
Therefore, let’s learn from this and always be prepared to embrace the practice of asking legitimate questions, for it is through inquiry that we glean insights, deepen our understanding, and cultivate a vibrant understanding of God thereby deepening our relationship with God.
Whether it's seeking clarity on theological matters, grappling with life's challenges, or discerning God's will, let us not shy away from asking questions, trusting that like scripture promises, in seeking, we shall find, and in questioning, we shall discover deeper truths.
The importance of asking questions cannot be overstated. In every aspect of life, from understanding biblical principles to navigating daily challenges, questions serve as essential tools for growth and learning.
Think about the variety of questions we encounter in the everyday. Questions seeking clarification, questions about application, questions probing deeper truths, and even questions just born out of curiosity.
For instance, when faced with biblical texts it should be natural to seek clarification on what they truly mean.
Like what does it mean to love sacrificially and unconditionally? The words of Jesus and the bible writers should prompt questions about their application in modern contexts today.
Moreover, questions aren't just about seeking answers; they're about fostering understanding and discernment. Just as children instinctively ask "why?" to comprehend the world around them, God's children should be unafraid to ask questions, even if they seem elementary.
After all, it's through inquiry that we deepen our understanding of God's word and His will for our lives.
Sadly, I think most Christian today hold onto fixed views on what I sometimes think are theologically secondary issues and in such people I often detect a hesitancy or reluctance to ask questions, whether out of fear of appearing ignorant or a misguided sense of reverence.
However, I believe asking questions about our faith is imperative for our spiritual growth and development. Whether it's in academic settings, church environments, or small groups, questions serve as catalysts for learning and discovery.
Indeed, the absence of questions can be detrimental, hindering our ability to fully grasp truths and engage with complex concepts. By embracing a spirit of inquiry and curiosity, we not only expand our knowledge but also deepen our relationship with God.
So, let us emulate the psalmist, the disciples, and countless others throughout scripture who boldly approached God actively seeking wisdom and understanding.
Let us not be afraid to ask, for in seeking, we shall find, and in questioning, we shall discover deeper truths that enrich our faith journey.
The importance of asking questions, particularly when it comes to understanding the biblical text, was instilled in me by my father from a young age.
He taught me not just to ask surface-level questions, but to dig deeper and ask the next level of inquiry.
You need to learn to ask questions because your life may depend on it and when it comes to questions pertaining to Jesus Christ.
Remember God has given us free will and he has also instructed us to love him with all our minds, and all of our hearts.
Sometimes we get sloppy or lazy mentally, but I pray that God might sharpen us mentally and to ask good questions of Him so that we might grow in knowledge and in grace of Jesus Christ.
Amen.