Luke 19:45-20:26

Summery of Luke

Jesus Ministry (1-9)

Jesus a fulfillment of the OT Scriptures

Luke 4:18–19 (ESV)

18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus launches his kingdom ministry

The Long Journey to Jerusalem (9-19)

Teaching as he travels to Jerusalem

Learn as you follow me

Last week: The Arrival in Jerusalem

Welcomed by some and rejected by

Weeping over Jerusalem coming rejection and ruin.

The entry into Jerusalem

View of Mount of Olives (where Jesus and his disciples stayed at night)

View of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives (The Dome of the Rock is where the Temple was before it was destroyed in 70 AD—DOR built in 7th Century AD)

It’s believed that Jesus entered through the Golden Gate (far right side of the picture)

Cleansing the Temple

Luke 19:45–48 ESV

And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words.

This is Jesus at his most revolutionary. He has been on the long road to Jerusalem, and now his enter the temple. So why is his first act to drive out money changers?

Why was the Temple important to the Jewish People?

Sacrifice The primary purpose of the Temple was to offer sacrifices to God. These sacrifices could be for atonement, thanksgiving, or other religious observances.

The Temple as a symbol for Eden:

Architectural Design:

Garden Motifs: The Temple's interior was adorned with carvings of trees, flowers, and cherubim, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. These decorations evoked the beauty and fertility of the original paradise.

Water Symbolism: The Temple featured a large bronze basin called the "Molten Sea," which may have symbolized the primordial waters of creation and the rivers that flowed through Eden.

Pillars: Two large pillars stood at the entrance of the Temple, possibly representing the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in Eden.

Eastward Orientation: Both Eden and the Temple were oriented eastward, symbolizing the direction of creation and the rising sun, representing new life and hope.

The sybolism of the Edenic Temple

God's Sacred Dwelling Place: Both Eden and the Temple were seen as places where God resided and interacted with humanity. In Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve, while in the Temple, the Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence.

Restoration of Paradise: The Temple was seen as a microcosm of Eden, a place where the harmony and abundance of the original creation could be experienced again. It represented a return to the ideal relationship between God and humanity.

What Jesus is changing dies for our sins

Sacrifice and Atonement: While the earthly Temple was the place of sacrifice, the epistles emphasize that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate and final atonement for sin. Hebrews, in particular, explores this theme extensively, arguing that Jesus' sacrifice surpasses the sacrifices offered in the Temple. This shifts the focus from animal sacrifices to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ.

The Church as the New Temple: A major theme is that believers themselves become the new temple of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 6:16 speak of believers as the "temple of God" and the "temple of the Holy Spirit." This emphasizes the indwelling presence of God within the community of believers and within individual Christians. The emphasis moves away from a physical building to the people themselves being the dwelling place of God.

Christ as the Cornerstone/Foundation: Ephesians 2:20-22 describes believers as being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. This imagery connects Christ to the Temple, suggesting he is the essential element that holds the entire structure (the church) together. He is the source of its strength and unity.

The Religious Leaders however made Temple as a Symbol Nationalistic Pride:

The temple had become a symbol of nationalistic pride and a substitute for genuine relationship with God. The religious leaders focused on maintaining their power and traditions, neglecting true worship and justice.

outward rituals with the inner condition of the heart

many were relying on the temple as a guarantee of God's favor, rather than cultivating a personal relationship with Him.

Why Did Jesus Drive out the Money Changers

Jesus's Actions as a Challenge: Jesus's cleansing of the temple wasn't just about the money changers; it was a direct challenge to the established religious order.

Jesus walks into place of the unclean and makes room for them:  The Temple was a place of limited access, with only priests allowed into the Holy of Holies. The epistles teach that through Christ, all believers now have access to God. The veil separating the Holy of Holies was torn (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that the way to God is now open to everyone who believes.

Jesus was filled with indication and anger.

He was quoting from Isaiah

Isaiah 56:6-7

6“And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant— 

7these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”

The jews revered the temple. They had all sorts of rituals. However they forgot its core purpose. It was for prayer. This was the place for foreigner to see God, and it was filled with commerce.

This was a tipping point

Up to now tension was building with the religious leaders, but now Jesus's crucifixion was inevitable.

By disrupting the temple system, Jesus threatened the authority and power of the religious leaders, who saw him as a threat to their control.   

Who’s Authority

Luke 20:1–8 ESV

One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Challenge to Authority: The question of Jesus' authority by the religious leaders comes to a head.

After Jesus’s actions in the temple—the top priests and scribes came out to confront Jesus

Let’s remember who the Priests and Scribes were:

These priests were in charge of carefully observing the law and temple

The scribes were the people who carefully preserved and protect the Jewish holy books. (the Old Testament) We have these people to thank for preserving the OT text for us today.

Think about our reaction today if someone were to disrupt our religious services…We would have a strong reaction.

However The religious leaders' question of authority was a trap because it was designed to put Jesus in a difficult position, regardless of his answer. 

Their goal was not to genuinely understand the source of Jesus' authority, but to discredit him in the eyes of the people or find grounds for accusing him.   

Why was their question was a trap?

If Jesus claimed divine authority: They could accuse him of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death, as they believed he was falsely claiming to be God or acting on God's behalf. This would turn the people against him and give them a legal reason to arrest him.   

If Jesus claimed human authority: They could argue that he had no right to teach or perform miracles in the Temple, undermining his credibility and influence. This would make him appear as a fraud or a troublemaker, diminishing his support among the people.

If Jesus refused to answer: They could portray him as evasive or unable to justify his actions, further damaging his reputation and authority. This would make him seem like he was hiding something or that he knew he was in the wrong.

How was Jesus clever in his response:

Dilemma: Jesus creates a "lose-lose" situation for his challengers. Either way they answer, they face negative consequences.

Focus on the Real Issue: Jesus shifts the focus from his authority to the authority of John, which was closely related. By linking his authority to John's, he subtly suggests that if they accepted John's authority, they should also accept his.

Exposing Hypocrisy: Jesus' response exposes the religious leaders' hypocrisy. They claim to be concerned about authority, but their real motive is to discredit Jesus, regardless of the truth.

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Luke 20:9–18 ESV

And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: “ ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

The Vineyard as a Symbol:

The vineyard represents God's kingdom and the blessings He bestows upon humanity.

The tenants represent the people of Israel, who were entrusted with the care of the vineyard but failed to produce fruit for its owner.

The Servants as Prophets:

The servants sent by the owner symbolize the prophets sent by God throughout history to call His people to repentance.

The tenants' mistreatment and killing of the servants illustrate humanity's repeated rejection of God's messengers.

The Son as Jesus:

The owner's decision to send his son as the last messenger represents God's ultimate act of love in sending Jesus Christ.

The tenants' decision to kill the son reveals the depth of human sin and rebellion against God.

The Consequences of Sin:

Sin has consequences, both individual and corporate.

The parable illustrates that those who reject God's authority and mistreat His messengers will ultimately face judgment.

God's Patience and Grace:

Despite the tenants' rebellion, the owner initially shows patience and sends multiple servants. This highlights God's longsuffering and His desire for reconciliation.

However, His patience is not infinite, and ultimately, justice will prevail.

Humanity's Tendency to Self-Deception:

the tenants in the parable were blind to their own sin and their need for repentance.

this is a common human tendency – to rationalize our actions and deny our wrongdoing.

The Importance of Repentance:

true repentance involves acknowledging our sin, turning away from it, and turning back to God.

Paying Taxes to Caesar

Luke 20:19–26 ESV

The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

The Trap: The religious leaders' question is a carefully crafted trap. If Jesus says it's right to pay taxes, he'll lose support among the Jewish people who resent Roman rule. If he says it's wrong, they can accuse him of treason against Rome.

Jesus's Response: Jesus asks whose image is on the coin. When they say Caesar's, he replies, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." This answer is brilliant in its complexity.

The Coin: This is a Roman denarius of the Emperor Tiberius, who reigned from 14 to 37 AD. Here's the breakdown of the inscription:

Obverse (Head side): TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS

Translation: Tiberius Caesar (His name), Son of the Divine Augustus, Augustus (a title given Roman emperors)

Reverse (Seated Figure - Livia as Pax): PONTIF MAXIM

PONTIF MAXIM: "Pontifex Maximus" - "Supreme Pontiff," the high priest of the Roman state religion, a title held by the emperors.

This coin, with the reverse depicting Livia (Augustus' wife and Tiberius' mother) as Pax (the personification of Peace), is a classic example of Tiberian coinage. It emphasizes his lineage from Augustus and highlights his authority as both emperor and chief priest. This specific type of denarius was very common and widely circulated during his reign.

Two Kingdoms: Jesus's response points to the existence of two kingdoms: the earthly kingdom represented by Caesar and the heavenly kingdom represented by God. Christians have obligations to both, but their ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

Revolutionary Implications: Jesus's answer was revolutionary because it challenged the idea that earthly rulers had absolute authority. By acknowledging God's higher authority, Jesus laid the foundation for a limited government and individual freedom of conscience.

. Individual Application: Cleansing Our Inner Temple

Jesus' anger wasn't about rules being broken; it was about the heart of worship being lost. The temple was meant to be a place of connection with God, a place of prayer. The commerce had choked that connection. How does this apply to us individually? We are now the temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). What "commerce" within us hinders our experience of God's love?

Distractions: Are we so busy with the "doing" of religion (attending services, following rituals) that we neglect the "being" with God in prayer and reflection? Do our phones, social media, or other distractions crowd out time for genuine communion with Him?

Pretense: Do we put on a show of outward piety while inwardly harboring resentment, pride, or other ungodly attitudes? Do we focus more on appearing righteous than being righteous?

Unforgiveness: Unforgiveness acts like a barricade to God's love. Holding onto grudges or bitterness prevents us from experiencing the fullness of His grace and love.

Self-reliance: Do we try to earn God's love through our efforts and good deeds, rather than resting in the free gift of His grace? This is a form of "commerce," trying to buy what is freely given.

Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, we need to regularly examine our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse us from anything that hinders our relationship with God. We must prioritize the inner work of cultivating a heart of love, gratitude, and humility, so that we can truly experience God's love and walk with Him.

2. Community Application: Building a Living Temple

The temple in Jerusalem was a community space. Jesus' cleansing had implications for how the people interacted with one another and with God. We, as the church, are now the "living temple" (1 Peter 2:5). How do we ensure our "temple" is a place of prayer and genuine connection?

Authentic Fellowship: Is our community marked by genuine love and care for one another, or is it superficial? Do we bear one another's burdens? Are we quick to forgive and slow to anger?

Unity: Are we united in purpose and love, or are we divided by petty disagreements or personal agendas? Do we prioritize harmony and mutual respect?

Service: Are we actively serving one another and the wider community, reflecting the love of Christ? Or are we focused primarily on our own needs and preferences?

Worship: Is our worship genuine and heartfelt, flowing from a place of love and gratitude? Or is it merely a routine, devoid of passion and meaning?

As a church, we must strive to be a community that reflects the love and compassion of Christ. We are called to be a "house of prayer" for all people, a place where people can encounter the living God.

3. Outreach Application: Welcoming the Outsider

Jesus quoted Isaiah's vision of the temple as a "house of prayer for all peoples." The presence of foreigners in the outer courts was a sign of this inclusivity. The merchants' presence would have been a barrier to these people. How do we apply this to our outreach?

Hospitality: Do we welcome those who are different from us, or do we create barriers based on race, social class, or other factors? Do we extend genuine hospitality to newcomers and visitors?

Compassion: Do we show compassion to the marginalized and the outcast, following Jesus' example? Do we reach out to those in need, both physically and spiritually?

Sharing the Gospel: Do we share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have not heard it? Are we actively seeking opportunities to share God's love with the world?

Just as Jesus cleansed the temple to restore its purpose, we must constantly examine our hearts and our communities to ensure that we are living out the love and inclusivity of Christ. We are called to be a light to the world, a beacon of hope and healing for all people.