Luke 20:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:14
14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be our's.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, worship, discipleship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 20:14
14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be our's.
Analysis
But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be our's—The tenants recognize the son's identity (οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ κληρονόμος, houtos estin ho klēronomos, "this is the heir") but respond with murderous conspiracy. Their reasoning (διελογίζοντο, dielogizonto) reveals calculated evil, not impulsive violence. They understand the inheritance law: kill the heir and they might claim the property by occupancy.
The phrase "let us kill" (ἀποκτείνωμεν, apokteinōmen) exposes the depth of their rebellion—they will murder to maintain control. "That the inheritance may be ours" (ἡμῶν γένηται ἡ κληρονομία, hēmōn genētai hē klēronomia) reveals their delusion: they think eliminating the heir will transfer ownership to them. This perfectly describes the Sanhedrin's reasoning about Jesus: recognize His claims, fear losing their position (John 11:48), and plot His murder (John 11:53). By killing God's Son, they believed they could preserve their religious monopoly. Their recognition of Jesus' identity makes their guilt absolute—this is knowing, willful rejection.
Historical Context
The parable predicts Jesus' crucifixion with stunning precision. The Sanhedrin acknowledged Jesus' messianic claims (Matthew 26:63-66) but condemned Him anyway. Caiaphas declared, "It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people" (John 11:50)—exactly the reasoning of the wicked tenants. They killed the heir to preserve their position, but their murder brought the very judgment they sought to avoid. Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD, ending the religious system the leaders tried to protect by killing Jesus.
Reflection
- How does recognizing Jesus' identity without submitting to Him represent the worst form of rebellion?
- What does the tenants' delusional reasoning teach about the blindness that sin produces?
- In what ways do people today acknowledge Jesus' claims while still rejecting His authority?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Romans 8:17, Hebrews 1:2