Luke 20:1—21:4: Final Debates—Clear Rejection
I CAN REMEMBER when a humanist on campus branded the Christians a bunch of losers. He claimed he did not need religion for a crutch as they did. I was reduced to wordlessness by his hostile tone. Then I thought of three perfect answers—late that night in bed.
Most of us are not quick to think on our feet, and certainly not as quick and sharp as Jesus. We have seen him as a fearless controversialist in Galilee. Now we will see him in the capital, taking on four distinct authority groups as each mounts attacks on him.
Warming Up to God
When have you felt humiliated because you could not defend your faith?
Read Luke 20:1—21:4. »
Discovering the Word
- By the end of the debate on Jesus' authority, what has each side achieved (20:1-8)?
- By parable and commentary Jesus pronounces final judgment on the leaders (20:9-18). How do you respond to his stern characterization of God?
- The Sadducees accepted only the first five Old Testament books, which they (wrongly) presumed said nothing about life after death. What, therefore, do they expect their hypothetical story to do to belief in the resurrection (20:27-47)?
- Again Jesus points to wrong assumptions behind their question. What error does he identify in their view of life after death (vv. 34-36)?
- How refreshing this widow must have been to Jesus after the controversies! What does this tell you about the kind of faith Jesus values (21:1-4)?
Applying the Word
- All four groups totally reject Jesus as God's Messiah-King. After this, there are no more debates on the truth—only arrest and death. Besides valid debates, how can we maintain biblical truth against the enemies of Christianity?
- What is a political/religious tension for you as a Christian?
- In what way would you like to be more bold in defending your faith?
Responding in Prayer
Pray now for faith like the widow's.
For Further Study
A Little Primer on Humble Apologetics by James W. Sire