Luke 20:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,

NIV: He saw through their duplicity and said to them,

NASB: But He saw through their trickery and said to them,

CSB: But detecting their craftiness, he said to them,

NLT: He saw through their trickery and said,

KJV: But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

NKJV: But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me?

Jesus is on the Temple Mount teaching a crowd. Someone shows Him honor by saying, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God" (Luke 20:21). Then he poses the question: "Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" (Luke 20:22). That is, is it consistent with the Mosaic law to pay the census tax to the Romans?

This style of philosophical discussion with a rabbi was common in Jesus' era. Examples of these debates are recorded in the Gemara: an important work of Jewish writing preserving varied interpretations of the Torah and the Oral Law. The text is something like commentary, theological discussion, debate, and a modern blog rolled into one.

The flattering opening and the philosophical question seem to invite Jesus to speak freely—even carelessly. But Jesus knows what's happening. The questioner is a plant. The scribes and chief priests are angry at Jesus' suggestion that God will destroy them if they kill Him (Luke 20:9–18). The questioner is a disciple of the Pharisees (Matthew 22:15–16). He isn't asking for a benign, lively debate; he's trying to trap Jesus.

If Jesus seems to endorse the Roman tax, the crowd will react as if He approves of the occupation of Judea and Galilee. If He says it's not good to give tribute to Caesar, He's encouraging the Jews to break the Roman law. In one case, He alienates the people. In the other, He's at risk of being arrested. The religious leaders would be happy either way.

Jesus knows this isn't a true-or-false question, however. The Jews owe taxes to the civil authority God has placed over them: the Romans. But they owe something to God, too, which is not contrary to that obligation. They need to pay both debts (Luke 20:24–25).

Luke 20:19–26 continues a long discussion about authority. Chief priests and Old Testament lawyers try to force Jesus into a difficult choice: follow unpopular Roman law or show rebellious loyalty to the Jewish nation. If the trap succeeds, either Jesus' disciples will reject His authority or the Romans will arrest Him. Jesus disarms the trap by pointing out that the people are responsible for following both principles. Next, the Sadducees challenge His authority on doctrinal matters but fail so miserably Jesus' attackers withdraw (Luke 20:27–40). This interaction is also recorded in Matthew 22:15–22 and Mark 12:13–17.

After His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus find Himself in conflict with the city's religious leaders. Elders, priests, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees all attempt to discredit Him. This comes mostly in challenging Jesus with trick questions. Jesus deftly handles those challenges without falling into the trap. He provides several teachings about His role as the Son of God and directly warns the Jewish people against their generation of scribes, who are arrogant and pretentious.

Luke 20 is a chiasm about authority. Jesus has entered Jerusalem and cleansed the temple (Luke 19:28–46). Now, the priests and teachers attack Jesus' authority in religion, law, and doctrine; Jesus defends Himself and shows their sinful lifestyles disqualify them for authority. After holding up a widow as a better role model (Luke 21:1–4), Jesus warns His disciples about the challenges they will face in the coming years, including the destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:5–38). The events in Luke 20 are also discussed in Matthew 21—23 and Mark 11—12.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.