Luke 23
JESUS CONTENDS WITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS
1. Hunger for truth draws people; rejection of truth exposes hearts.
a. Luke 19:47–48
2. Jesus’ authority is challenged.
a. Luke 20:1-8
b. Notice the wisdom of Jesus as the Religious Leaders asked this question:
First, “By what authority are You doing these things?
Second, Jesus’ Counter-Question: Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men?
c. If from heaven = Why didn’t you believe him?
d. If from men = Fear of the people, who believed John was a prophet.
e. Result: The leaders refuse to answer truthfully.
f. Principle: If you won’t speak the truth, don’t expect to receive the truth.
3. The parable of the wicked vinedressers.
a. Luke 20:9–19
Meaning of the Parable:
b. Certain Man = God
c. Vineyard = Israel
d. Vinedressers = Religious leaders
e. Servants = Prophets (Isaiah, John, others)
f. Beloved Son = Jesus
Key Truths:
g. God entrusted Israel to leaders as stewards, not owners.
h. The prophets were rejected and mistreated.
i. The Son was killed so the leaders could keep control.
Judgment:
j. Vineyard taken away and given to others.
k. Rejected Stone becomes the Cornerstone (Jesus confirms by quoting Psalm 118:22).
Two Comings of Christ:
l. First Advent: Men stumble over His humility and are broken.
m. Second Advent: The Stone falls in judgment and crushes unbelief.
4. We see traps that fail.
a. Luke 20:20–26, 27–40
b. God is the God of the living, not the dead.
5. Jesus reveals the Messiah’s identity.
a. Luke 20:41-44
b. The Messiah is both David’s descendant and David’s Lord.
6. Warning against religious hypocrisy.
a. Luke 20:45–47
Conclusion:
· Religious authority without submission to Christ leads to judgment.
· True authority belongs to Jesus alone—the rejected Son and reigning Lord.