Luke 20:2

And spake vnto him, saying, Tell vs, by what authoritie doest thou these things? or who is hee that gaue thee this authoritie? Luke 20:2 (KJV)

This verse belongs to the larger narrative of Luke chapter 20, where Jesus is confronted by the chief priests, scribes, and elders in Jerusalem. After entering the temple and beginning to teach the people, the religious leaders challenged Him, asking, “By what authority doest thou these things?” or, in the longer rendering, “Who is he that gave thee this authority?” Their inquiry was not a sincere search for truth but an attempt to undermine Jesus’ right to teach and perform miracles and to find a reason to discredit His ministry.

The question reflects the leaders’ skepticism and their desire to expose what they perceived as a fraud. In the following verses (Luke 20:3‑8) Jesus answers with a counter‑question concerning the authority of John the Baptist, revealing the leaders’ reluctance to answer honestly because of the people’s high regard for John. By turning the question back on them, Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and ulterior motives.

Throughout the chapter Jesus proceeds to tell parables, including the Parable of the Vineyard, which further highlight the leaders’ wickedness and resistance to God’s authority. From this passage several key lessons emerge. First, authority comes from God; Jesus’ authority ultimately 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 the dangers of 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.

In summary, 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.