LUKE 20 THE AUTHORITY OF THE SON OF MAN. v.1-8. THE RIGHT OF AUTHORITY:
- The leaders challenged His authority.
- He condemned their hypocrisy.
- His authority was in Himself: “What manner of Man is this that even the winds and the seas obey Him.” “The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.” “All power is given unto Me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore…” “Now commands all men everywhere to repent…” “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God…”
v.9-19. THE REJECTION OF AUTHORITY:
- A certain man: God, the planter and owner of the vineyard.
- The vineyard: the nation of Israel; specially blessed by God.
- Husbandmen (vinedressers): Jewish leaders who set the course of the nation.
- Three servants: prophets who instructed and warned the people.
- Beloved Son: The Lord Jesus Christ, sent by the Father to be the Savior of the world.
- The “others”: the apostles, who took the message of the Gospel and brought blessing to the nation.
v.20-47. THE RULE OF AUTHORITY:
- Authority of the governor (Pilate): “The powers that be are ordained of God.”
- Authority of the emperor (Caesar): “God is the judge: He putteth one down one, and setteth up another.” Ps.75:7. “The nations are as a drop of a bucket and are accounted as the small dust of the balance…” Isa.40:15.
- Authority of God (His Word): Misuse of God’s Word: Misunderstanding of God’s Word: the Sadducees denied the resurrection. Right use of God’s Word: The Lord quoted Moses as proof of the resurrection. David: the highest civil authority of the Jews because of the kingdom promised to David. The placed the Messiah less than David. The Lord reminds them that David called the Messiah “Lord”, indicating the superiority of the Messiah.