Let the Drama Begin!
This week we are studying through Luke 20. This chapter gives us a vivid picture of the drama that unfolded when Jesus came into Jerusalem. It is almost like a play with three groups of cast members:
- Jesus
- The Jerusalem leadership – consisted of the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, Chief Priests, and elders.
- The People – these are both people who were following Jesus and those who were on the fence.
The stage was set last week in Luke 19:
- After a long time ministering in Galilee and elsewhere, Jesus has finally made it into Jerusalem. He came in a triumphal entry (19:28-40). This was Jesus saying, “I am the true King.” He set himself up against the Roman Emperor. And the People hailed him as king.
- Upon entering Jerusalem, the geographical center of God’s redemptive plan up until now, Jesus weeps over the city (19:41-44). This is a direct indictment on the leaders of Jerusalem. They have not led this city, and this nation, to be faithful worshippers of God.
- Then Jesus goes to the heart of Jerusalem, the Temple. And he cleanses it. This is a direct indictment on the Jerusalem Leadership. They have made a mess of their featured responsibility: the Temple.
Notice how our three main characters are set up in Chapter 19:
- The People hail Jesus.
- Jesus weeps over The People because the Jerusalem Leaders have failed.
- Jesus indicts the Jerusalem Leaders.
It is into this intense drama we flow into Luke 20. Jesus squares off with the Jerusalem leadership with the People always listening in.
Luke 20:1-8
Notice how much information 20:1 gives us!
What is Jesus doing:
What is he teaching:
Who is he teaching:
Who interrupts Jesus:
They want to know by what authority Jesus does “these things”. What are “these things”?
How does Jesus beat them at their own game here? How do you see the 3 main characters of this chapter interacting?
Luke 20:9-18
Read Isaiah 5:1-7. This is not a direct parallel to this passage. But it would have been in the back of the hearers’ minds.
If you have been tracking with these study guides, you will know that we have made a big deal out of the fact that parables have 1 main point. We need to be careful when we start assigning meaning to every character and detail. However, this parable is interesting. Jesus tells the parable. But he does it in a different way. He makes it very direct. See if you can answer the following questions on your own.
Who is the man who planted a vineyard?
What is the vineyard?
Who are the Tenants?
Who are the Servants?
Who is the Beloved Son?
Who are the Others (20:16)?
Notice that the owner does not say he is going to destroy the vineyard. He will just give it to new tenants. If the Owner is God and the original tenants are the Jerusalem Leaders, Jesus is making a bold claim that God is giving the vineyard (the People of God) to new leaders. Jesus’ disciples. How does that weigh on you that as a follower of God, you are called to steward God’s vineyard?
Luke 20:19-26
Remember the intro to this study guide? This is a drama with three main characters. Verses 19 and 20 are very important in building the drama.
Why do you think the Jerusalem Leaders feared the people?
As Luke paints the picture of the Jerusalem Leaders, how does he want you to think and feel about them?
Notice in 20:21 how they use insincere flattery to try to trick Jesus. They say, “We know that you are a very strong teacher and don’t cater to anyone. So, what do you think about Caesar?” They give Jesus a question that they think is either a “Yes” or “No” answer. Jesus can answer “No, don’t pay taxes to Caesar.” But then he would be executed for being a rebel. Or Jesus can answer, “Yes, pay taxes to Caesar.” But then The People would have stopped trusting him because he would be seen as a sellout – admitting that Caesar was the real King, not himself. How does Jesus respond? Why does this silence them?
Luke 20:27-40
Joel Green writes of this section, “In this scene, then, Luke presents a battle over the Scriptures. For Jesus, the Scriptures are not self-interpreting, but must be read from the right perspective.” The Sadducees are interpreting the Scriptures on a technical level to try to establish laws. Jesus, perspective is that the Scriptures are to be interpreted to tell us what is true about God and His story.
The Sadducees did not believe in the Resurrection (that’s why they were so “sad, you see?). Why do people today not believe in a Resurrection?
This isn’t really a question. This is a statement. Notice the difference between how Jesus goes to scripture than how the Sadducees do. They get hung up on these little logical, theological, hangnails. Jesus sees the big picture. I have found that a lot of times when we approach the Bible, we are more like the Sadducees than Jesus. Do you see that? How have you seen that in Missio Dei? Your MC?
Notice the reaction of the Sadducees in verses 39 and 40. Do you see how it was similar to the reaction of the spies in 26? Their reactions change to “resigned acceptance of Jesus”. But what should their (our) reaction to Jesus be?
Luke 20:41-47
Jesus has been on the defensive up until now. He is the one who keeps responding and counter punching. In this section, Jesus goes on the offensive. What is the offensive argument Jesus is making in 20:41-44?
In these last couple verses of the chapter, Luke brings the drama to a crescendo:
Who is talking?
Who is He talking to?
Who is listening?
Who is He talking about?
Green writes, “Jesus’ pronouncement of judgment on such persons is subtly ironic: Seeking abundance in the public arena of status honor, they will instead receive abundance in the area of divine condemnation.” Why do these actions warrant condemnation in God’s economy?
Respond
What if you were in the masses of “The People” in the drama of Luke 20? You are watching this drama unfold between the Jerusalem Leadership and Jesus. How should you respond? Journal about that…