Notes on Luke 20:42-47

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

The reader should note that Luke 20:41-44 forms a chiastic structure (a writing style that uses a unique repetition pattern for clarification and emphasis) focusing upon who Jesus is:

• A. How can they say that the Christ is David's son? (Luke 20:41)
  • B. The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool (Luke 20:42-43)
• A'. David thus calls him Lord, so how is he his son? (Luke 20:44)

Jesus quoted from Ps. 110 to show that the Christ was more than just a son of David. The background to his argument is the cultural assumption that ancestors were greater in prominence than their descendants. This was contradicted as David writes that the Lord (God) said to my Lord (the Christ). Who could be David's Lord? He was king and had no superior on earth. However, his descendent, the Christ, would be greater than him. As the Christ, Jesus was also God in the flesh (John 1:1-18; John 1:1, 14, 18; Col. 1:15-20; Heb. 1:3; see note on 1:35). Thus, Jesus had greater glory and authority than his forefather, David.

Jesus taught his disciples but knew others were listening.

scribes. See note on 5:17. beware. Jesus condemned the pride and hypocrisy of the teachers of Israel in his day. He gave four examples to show the scribes' love of attention and popularity. long robes. Unlike the common people of Israel, the scribes wore full length robes as a sign of their wealth. These had long mantles with unusually tassels on the four corners to emphasize their piety (see Num. 15:38-39). special greetings. People were expected rise and greet the scribes with a formal greeting (see 11:43). chief seats. Benches along the walls of a synagogue (see note on 4:15). The chief seats were those closest to the front where the entire congregation could be seen and addressed. chief places. Seats nearest the host at dinner parties (see note on 14:7).

The scribes were spiritual hypocrites. Despite their reputation (v. 46), they lack true godliness. devour widow's houses. Widows were some of the most vulnerable people in ancient society. Unless cared for by other family members or friends, they had no regular means of support. Thus, God commands the care of the widowed (Isa. 1:17; Jas. 1:27). Yet, these men preyed on widows, robbing them of their wealth. long prayers. The length of their prayers did not flow from their desire for fellowship with God. It was a pretense of godliness rather than a sign of genuine piety. greater condemnation. Pride and taking advantage of the poor and needy are especially grievous sins in God's eyes (see 12:47; Prov. 6:16-19; Jer. 7:5-7).