Tuesday Of Holy Week, Opportunities Taken By Jesus -

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On this Tuesday of Holy Week, we will continue in Luke as we move to chapter 20. The religious leaders challenged Jesus by putting him to the test. Literally. They raised several theological debates with him and questioned both his teaching and his God-given authority.

In verse 2 it says they demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?” Jesus didn’t answer them. There is nowhere in the scriptures where the Lord defended His authority.

Jesus goes on to tell a story of tenant farmers who ended up killing the owner’s son. Again the religious leaders remained unhappy with Him. Jesus also took an opportunity to quote David in Psalm 118.

Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what does this Scripture mean? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.” Luke 20:17-18

Verse 19 says this; The teachers of religious law and the leading priests wanted to arrest Jesus immediately because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the people’s reaction. Luke 20:19

They tried to corner Jesus by asking Him about paying taxes.

“Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Luke 20:21-22

The Sadducees Questioned Jesus On this Holy Week.

Within the leaders, a group called the Sadducees who asked the Lord about marriage heaven.

Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. Luke 20:27

Of course, Jesus had an answer for them. It was a response that explained our status in heaven.

Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection. Luke 34-36

I personally think on this Tuesday of Holy Week that Jesus was just tying up some loose ends. Not so much for those accusing Him, but for everyone who reads these gospels and that includes us. In this chapter, He told us that He is the one who holds the authority. He is the cornerstone of our faith. And as much as some might not want to hear this, but He told us to pay our taxes.

And in heaven, we will never die again. In that respect we’ll be like angels. And we are the children of God and children of the resurrection. Isn’t that just like the Lord? He spoke life and encouragement to us amid opposition.

Lord, thank you for explaining to us the benefits of serving you all through this life. We look forward to joining you in a place where we will never die.