Luke 20:2

And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?

Luke 20:2 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a larger confrontation in Jerusalem. Jesus had entered the temple, driven out the money-changers and sellers, and begun teaching and preaching the gospel there (Luke 20:1). The chief priests, scribes, and elders—the religious leaders whose authority and revenues were disrupted—came to Him and demanded, “By what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?” Their question was not a sincere search for truth but a challenge meant to undermine His right to teach, perform miracles, and cleanse the temple.

Meaning

The phrase “these things” points especially to Jesus’ cleansing of the temple and His teaching, actions that the leaders saw as a threat to their position. The second part of their question, “who is he that gave thee this authority?” implied they expected an answer naming a human or divine source, setting a trap. In the following verses (Luke 20:3-8), Jesus responds with a counter-question about John the Baptist’s authority, exposing their unwillingness to answer honestly because of the people’s high regard for John. By turning the question back on them, Jesus reveals their hypocrisy and ulterior motives.

Biblical connections

The parallel accounts in Matthew 21:23 and Mark 11:28 record the same challenge, confirming that this was coordinated opposition. Throughout Luke 20, Jesus continues with parables, including the Parable of the Vineyard, which further highlight the leaders’ resistance to God’s authority.

Application

Several lessons emerge from this passage. First, authority comes from God; Jesus’ authority derived from the Father, not from human approval or worldly recognition, and believers are called to seek their authority and guidance from God and His Word. Second, genuine inquiry is essential; the religious leaders’ question was a sham designed to trap rather than to understand, reminding us to approach God’s teachings with a sincere heart. Third, the consequences of hypocrisy are severe; the leaders’ refusal to acknowledge Jesus’ authority serves as a warning against rejecting God’s messengers. Finally, recognizing and submitting to God’s authority is paramount; the passage urges believers to humbly accept God’s rule and align their lives with His will.

Reflection

Luke 20:2 captures a pivotal moment when Jesus is challenged by the religious elite. His response not only reveals their hypocrisy but also underscores the necessity of authentic seeking, acknowledgment of divine authority, and the peril of rejecting the truth conveyed by God’s messengers.