Luke 20:7 - Printer Friendly

What does Luke 20:7 mean?

ESV: So they answered that they did not know where it came from.

NIV: So they answered, 'We don't know where it was from.'

NASB: And so they answered that they did not know where it came from.

CSB: So they answered that they did not know its origin.

NLT: So they finally replied that they didn’t know.

KJV: And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

NKJV: So they answered that they did not know where it was from.

Verse Commentary:

The Jewish leaders know Jesus has outmaneuvered their attempted trap (Luke 20:2–4), and they themselves are now caught (John 20:5–6). Rather than face the truth of their own beliefs, they decide to lie. They pretend not to have an opinion about the ministry of John the Baptist.

Those making the challenge are priests, scribes, and elders in Jerusalem (Luke 20:1). They want to destroy Jesus, but not for the same reason as other groups, such as the Pharisees. Elders are non-priests and non-politicians, likely respected and powerful businessmen. The chief priests may be related to Caiaphas, the high priest. Caiaphas is the son-in-law of Annas, the former high priest. Annas may be the most powerful priest of his age, manipulating the system to try to ensure he has a relative in the coveted position of high priest.

This group is probably angry because Jesus' actions have cost them a lot of money. Hundreds of thousands of Jews travel to Jerusalem every year for the Passover. Few can afford to bring the animals they need for sacrifice, so they buy them when they arrive. Likely it was the elders who made it easy for them—and profitable for themselves—by setting up vendors and moneychangers in the Court of the Gentiles just outside the temple. Jesus didn't like that this blocked the way for Gentiles to worship God, so He drove them out (Luke 19:45–46). Not only did the elders lose money, but the family of the high priest lost the gratuity the elders likely gave them.

The critics' aim is to at least convince the crowd that Jesus has no right to do what He has done. They ask from where He received His authority, presumably referring directly to the expulsion of the merchants. Instead of answering "from heaven," which would trigger the attending lawyers to arrest Him for blasphemy, He challenges them to respond to His witness: John the Baptist (Luke 20:1–4). This is not a dodge, but a request for the critics to define what they mean by "authority."

Now, the accusers are stuck. If they say that John was right, Jesus will accuse them of being hypocrites who do not act on John's message: that Jesus is the heaven-sent Messiah. If the religious leaders say John was wrong, they'll not only risk losing the business of the people, but they may also risk losing their lives to a crowd who believes John was a prophet. Even now, about three years after John's death, his following is strong (Luke 20:5–6).

So, the accusers weasel their way out and say they don't know. This is a lie and an attempt to limit the damage being done. Jesus doesn't entirely allow them to escape, however. He follows the conversation with a parable that shows they should fear God's justice more than the crowd's. If they deny Jesus' authority, God will take their authority and their lives.

Luke 20:1–8 begins the religious leaders' attack on Jesus' authority. Chief priests, scribes, and elders question Jesus' religious authority regarding the cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:45–46). In turn, Jesus challenges them to judge John the Baptist, the witness to Jesus' authority. Afraid of the crowd who believed John was a prophet, the religious leaders refuse to answer. Jesus responds with a parable about the Son of God (Luke 20:9–18). In the mirror image of this segment, Jesus will describe how the scribes' own sinful actions prove them unqualified to lead (Luke 20:45–47). Matthew 21:23–27 and Mark 11:27–33 also give accounts of this interaction.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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.

Accessed 5/18/2024 9:33:25 PM