Luke 20:2
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“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS QUESTIONED, AND HIS REPLY--PARABLE OF THE WICKED HUSBANDMEN. (Luke 20:1-19) these things--particularly the clearing of the temple.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. Christ's answer to the chief priests' question concerning his authority (Luk 20:1-8). II. The parable of the vineyard let out to the unjust and rebellious husbandmen (Luk 20:9-19). III. Christ's answer to the question proposed to him concerning the lawfulness of paying tribute to Caesar (Luk 20:20-26). IV. His vindication of that great fundamental doctrine of the Jewish and Christian institutes - the resurrection of the dead and the future state, from the foolish cavils of the Sadducees (Luk 20:27-38). V. His puzzling the scribes with a question concerning the Messiah's being the Son of David (Luk 20:39-44). VI. The caution he gave his disciples to take heed of the scribes (Luk 20:45-47). All which passages we had before in Matthew and Mark, and therefore need not enlarge upon them here, unless on those particulars which we had not there.
Open source ↗20:2 By what authority are you doing all these things? Since these groups were the recognized Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, they wanted to know how Jesus could claim authority to enter Jerusalem as a king and drive the merchants from the Temple.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”
On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?”
But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?
You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.