Luke 20:3
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Luke 20:3
3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, prayer. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 20:3
3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
Analysis
I will also ask you one thing; and answer me—Jesus' counter-question demonstrates rabbinic teaching method but also exposes His interrogators' hypocrisy. The phrase "I will ask" (ἐρωτήσω, erōtēsō) and "answer me" (εἴπατέ, eipate) mirrors their demand in verse 2, turning the tables. Jesus doesn't evade the authority question but reframes it in terms that will reveal their bad faith.
This response shows divine wisdom confounding human schemes. By linking His authority to John's baptism, Jesus forces them to confront truth they've already rejected. The authority question isn't merely academic—it requires moral courage to accept the answer. Jesus demonstrates that those unwilling to acknowledge obvious truth (John's prophetic ministry) are not genuinely seeking truth about His authority either.
Historical Context
Rabbinic dialogue often involved answering questions with questions, a teaching technique called "dialectic." However, Jesus' question wasn't mere rhetoric but a trap for the trappers. John the Baptist's ministry (26-29 AD) was recent memory, and the leaders' rejection of John was public knowledge. Everyone knew they hadn't supported John despite his obvious prophetic credentials (massive following, ascetic lifestyle, powerful preaching, fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3).
Reflection
- How does Jesus' counter-question demonstrate that authority questions require honest seekers, not hostile critics?
- What does this exchange teach about engaging with those asking questions in bad faith?
- Why must accepting Jesus' authority begin with accepting the testimony of those who pointed to Him?