Notes on Luke 20:23-34

This event is covered in detail in the Gospel's of Matthew and Mark below.

The reader should not that Luke 20:19-26 forms a chiastic structure (a writing style that uses a unique repetition pattern for clarification and emphasis) focusing upon Jesus' perception of other's wicked intents"

• A. the people . . . catch him in something he said (John 20:19-20)
  • B. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not? (John 20:21-22)
    • C. he perceived their craftiness (John 20:23)
  • B'. Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's (John 20:24-25)
• A'. people . . . to catch him in what he said (John 20:26)

Jesus knew the intentions behind the question (v. 20; see 5:22; 6:8). craftiness. A word similar to the one used to describe the serpent that tempted Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1). These men use similar means of deceit to attack Jesus (see John 8:44; 2 Cor. 2:11).

denarius. The official coinage for paying taxes to Rome (see note on 7:41). image. One side of the coin bore an image of Caesar along with the words, Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus.

Jesus' response showed that there is an obligation to both God and human authority. Caesar's. The coin with Caesar's image reflected the legitimacy of taxes and the believer's obligation to submit to authority (Rom. 13:1-5; 1 Pet. 2:13-14). God's. However, every person is made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27). Thus, while we give a portion to human authority, our entire lives are owed to God (Rom. 12:1-2).

The sinful craftiness of men could not match Jesus' godly wisdom (see v. 23; 2:40, 52; 1 Cor. 1:24, 30).

Sadducees. An important religious sect in first century Judaism. They were wealthy and enjoyed political power and influence. They were happy to cooperate with the Roman government to maintain their power. They often emphasized the first five book of the Bible (called the Torah) over the rest. resurrection. They also denied the bodily resurrection (Acts 23:6-8), angels, and other supernatural elements of the Jewish faith.

This event is covered in detail in the Gospel's of Matthew and Mark below.

The Sadducees summarized the practice of levirate marriage. This term comes from the Latin word levir which means brother. This practice involved a man marrying his deceased brother's childless wife (Gen. 38:8; Deut. 25:5-6). This ensured the preservation of Israel's tribal bloodlines and inheritance. It also ensured care for the widow. It was not an excuse for polygamy or adultery (Lev. 18:16; 20:21).

As with the Pharisees before (vv. 20-22), the Sadducees' question was designed to trap Jesus. They presented an unlikely situation meant to mock the idea of the resurrection (see v. 27). left no children. Without a child, none of the seven men had a superior claim to be her husband.

Jesus replied by first affirming the goodness of marriage which God instituted for humanity (Gen. 2:18-25). It was given to help us understand his love for the church (Eph. 5:25-32)