Luke 20:3
And hee answered, and said vnto them, I will also aske you one thing, and answere me. Luke 20:3 (KJV)
And he answered and said unto them,
I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: Luke 20:3 (KJV)
In this verse we find Jesus engaging in a conversation with the chief priests, scribes, and elders who had questioned His authority. The context is essential: Jesus had already entered Jerusalem and was teaching in the temple when the religious leaders approached Him, as recorded in Luke 20:1‑2: “And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, and spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?” Their question concerned the source of Jesus’ authority to teach and perform miracles.
Instead of giving a direct answer, Jesus replies, “I will also ask you one thing; and answer me.” By posing a counter‑question, He demonstrates wisdom and discernment, using the moment to challenge the leaders’ understanding and motives. This method reveals their lack of sincerity and exposes their hypocrisy. Throughout the Gospels Jesus employs similar rhetorical techniques—questions, parables, and debates—to prompt people to reflect on their beliefs and actions.
The subsequent verses (Luke 20:4‑8) show Jesus presenting the Parable of the Vineyard, which further emphasizes the leaders’ wrong attitudes and their rejection of God’s messengers throughout history, ultimately pointing to their rejection of the Son of God Himself.
From Luke 20:3 we can draw a broader lesson about the importance of sincerity, humility, and genuine inquiry in our relationship with God. Jesus’ response challenges us to examine our motives when we seek answers from Him. Are we truly seeking understanding and truth, or are we approaching Him with ulterior motives, seeking to test or manipulate Him? The passage reminds us to approach God’s Word with an open heart and a sincere desire to learn and grow in our faith.
Overall, Luke 20:3 highlights Jesus’ wisdom, discernment, and authority, as well as His desire to expose hypocrisy and challenge people’s hearts.
