Study 47. Luke 20:20-40. 16/2/24.
The parable of the tenants sparked off opposition to Jesus, but in view of the people’s attitude violence was risky. It might provoke a riot and no-one could tell where a riot would end. The Romans would intervene and the privileged might lose their privileges. So Jesus’ enemies chose another method: they tried to discredit him. (Morris) "so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor." (v.20) would relieve the Jewish leaders of the responsibility of getting rid of Jesus. 7. What was Jesus saying about our obligations to God and the secular government in 20:23-25? 'lawful' (v.22), i.e. in accord with the law of God. It was obviously in accordance with the law of Caesar. All three Synoptists make it clear that the reply confounded the critics. It left no room for an accusation of disloyalty to Caesar, but also stressed loyalty to God. Jesus is saying that we are citizens of heaven and earth at the same time. This does not mean dividing l...