Luke·Chapter 20

How to Apply

This week, think about a situation in your life where you might be holding on too tightly. Are you resisting change because of fear or a desire for control? Try to take a step back and ask yourself: what’s really at stake here? Seek to understand the bigger picture rather than just your immediate needs. Consider ways you can act with generosity and openness instead of fear and possessiveness. It could be as simple as sharing your time or resources with someone in need, or being open to feedback instead of shutting down when challenged.

Chapter Context

Now, let’s zoom out a bit. This verse is part of a larger story where Jesus is telling a parable about a landowner and his tenants. Before this moment, the landowner sends servants to collect his share of the harvest, but the tenants mistreat them. Each time they refuse to give what’s rightfully the landowner’s, tensions rise. So, when the heir arrives, you can feel the dread in the air. This verse is the tipping point; it’s where the tenants’ wickedness reaches its peak. They think that by getting rid of the heir, they can seize the inheritance for themselves. This moment sets up the shocking conclusion of the parable, showing us that rejecting the heir leads to dire consequences. It’s a powerful twist that moves the story forward dramatically!

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• but - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• tenants - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• saw - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• him - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• said - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• to - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• themselves - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• this - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• is - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• heir - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

When have you found yourself wanting to hold onto something so tightly that you were willing to overlook the truth or hurt others? What does that reveal about your own fears and desires?

Related Verses

• Matthew 21:33-34 - This verse tells a similar parable about the landowner and the tenants, emphasizing the rejection of the son.
• Isaiah 53:3 - Written about 700 years before this, it describes how the Messiah would be rejected and despised.
• John 1:11 - This verse talks about how Jesus came to his own people, but they didn’t accept him, connecting to the tenants' actions.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Luke 20:14. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Authority of Jesus, Rejection of Prophets, Religious Hypocrisy, Consequences of Rebellion, God's Judgment, Parables as Teaching, Public Perception

Key Verses

Luke 20:2, Luke 20:9, Luke 20:16, Luke 20:17, Luke 20:19

Historical Context

Luke 20 is situated in the latter part of Jesus' ministry, during His final week in Jerusalem before the crucifixion. This chapter is crucial as it highlights the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities, who feel threatened by His growing influence among the people. The questioning of Jesus' authority reflects a broader theme in the Gospel of Luke regarding the true nature of authority and the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. The parable of the wicked tenants serves not only as an indictment of Israel's leaders but also as a prophecy of the rejection that Jesus Himself would face.