READ LUKE 20
After a triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus continues to preach to the crowds, but there’s a faction that wants to put a stop to what they consider heresy. They’ve had enough of this rabble rouser and are determined to end it. They go along with the crowds and add their questions, raising confusion, but Jesus uses His story telling skills to prove His authority.
In the Parable of the wicked tenants, He foretells His own death. The owner of the land is God the Father. The tenants are those He has rented His land to. They are called to account at the time of harvest to give Him some of the fruits of the vineyards. He sends three of His servants to collect on their contract and each of them is beaten and sent away empty handed. Finally, the owner sends His own Son. The Son referred to here is Jesus. The tenants plot to kill the Son so they can gain the inheritance.
When Jesus says that the owner will then come and destroy the evil doers and the Pharisees are outraged. Jesus replies with the words of scripture Psalm 118:22 “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” He follows that verse with His words, “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”
As we continue through Luke 20, you can see the undercurrent of indiscretion as the priests and scribes try with all their might to find something wrong in Jesus’ teaching. They asked Him if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. He shows them a coin with Caesar’s image and tells them to render unto Caesar what belongs to him and to God the things that are His. His accusers marvel at His words and become silent.
The Sadducees come at Jesus again with a question about the resurrection and those who have married more than once in this life. He replies by telling them that the world to come will be unlike the world we live in. There will be no marriage. We will be sons and daughters of God and accountable only to Him. The leaders were stunned by His response and said no more.
Jesus talks about who He is by telling them that He is both God & man. Christ as God was David’s Lord, but Christ as man was David’s son. In the presence of the crowd He speaks to His disciples about His accusers. He already knows what they’re up to and He wants His followers to know that will be judged by God for their actions. He tells them to be wary of them.
Jesus is coming closer to the end of His life. His mission is about to be fulfilled. As God, He knew what the future held, yet He remained confident that His sacrifice was necessary. As a man, He must’ve felt overwhelmed by the questions, the accusations, the lies. His words silenced His accusers for the time being, but that would soon change.
