The Authority of Jesus Questioned (Luke 20:1-8)

Introduction

Jesus has just turned the temple upside down—literally. He’s driven out the merchants, called out the corruption, and reclaimed the temple for what it was meant to be: a house of prayer. And now, the religious leaders have had enough.

They confront him, but not with an honest question. This isn’t a theological inquiry. It’s a trap. They’re grasping for control, trying to put Jesus in a corner. But as always, Jesus sees right through them.

What unfolds in this passage is not just a debate about authority—it’s a moment that exposes the hearts of these leaders and the reality of Jesus’ divine mission.

Understanding the Religious Leaders - The Sanhedrin

In Luke 20:1, the chief priests, scribes, and elders represent the highest levels of religious authority in Jerusalem, and their presence signals an official challenge to Jesus’ authority.

1. Chief Priests – These were the senior priests, including the high priest, who oversaw the Temple sacrifices and rituals. They held significant political and religious power, often collaborating with the Roman authorities to maintain order (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 20.9.1). So, after Jesus flipped the table, this person was very upset and embarrassed for having been publicly shamed.

2. Scribes – Also known as teachers of the Law, scribes were scholars who interpreted and applied the Torah. They were responsible for copying the Scriptures and were often associated with the Pharisees in enforcing religious law (Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, ed. Joel B. Green).

3. Elders – These were respected community leaders, often from influential families, who served on the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. They acted as judges and decision-makers in legal and religious matters (The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Craig S. Keener, p. 243).

Together, these three groups made up the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, which had authority over religious and civil matters. Their challenge to Jesus was not just theological—it was a move to protect their power from a growing threat.

Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 20:1-8 and Commentary

Luke 20:1 – Jesus Is Teaching in the Temple

“One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders.” (Luke 20:1, NRSV)

Jesus doesn’t back down after flipping tables. He stays right there in the temple, teaching daily. And what is He doing? Proclaiming the good news—the Gospel.

But this is exactly what threatens the religious leaders. The good news that Jesus preaches isn’t good news for those who exploit the system. It’s good news for the poor, the outcasts, and those hungry for righteousness.

And so, they come for him. Not just a few Pharisees this time—the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. That’s basically the full force of religious authority in Jerusalem. This is an official challenge.

Luke 20:2 – The Challenge

“They said to him, ‘Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?’” (Luke 20:2, NRSV)

They want to know who authorized Jesus to teach, to cleanse the temple, to act like He owns the place.

But think about it—Jesus has already made it clear where his authority comes from. His teaching, his miracles, his fulfillment of prophecy—it all points to his divine authority. Yet they refuse to accept it.

This isn’t an honest question. It’s a power move. If he says his authority is from God, they’ll accuse him of blasphemy. If he claims no authority, they’ll dismiss him as a fraud. Either way, they think they’ve got him cornered.

Luke 20:3-4 – Jesus’ Counter Question

“He answered them, ‘I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’” (Luke 20:3-4, NRSV)

Jesus doesn’t fall for their trap. Instead, He flips it around on them.

John the Baptist was a prophet, and he had publicly affirmed Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). If they say John’s authority was from heaven, they’d have to acknowledge that Jesus’ authority is divine too. But if they say John’s authority was merely human, they’ll anger the people, because John was widely regarded as a true prophet.

Luke 20:5-7 – The Leaders’ Dilemma

“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, “Of human origin,” all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.’ So they answered that they did not know where it came from.” (Luke 20:5-7, NRSV)

The so-called spiritual leaders of Israel are afraid—afraid of losing power, afraid of the people, afraid of making a move that will cost them. So they take the coward’s way out: “We don’t know.”

They are unwilling to take a stand for truth. And that tells you everything about where their true priorities lie. Pilate would grapple with “the truth.”

Luke 20:8 – Jesus Refuses to Answer

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’” (Luke 20:8, NRSV)

Jesus doesn’t owe them an answer. If they won’t acknowledge the truth that’s right in front of them, why should he engage? They exhibit the very attitude and disposition that Jesus lamented on the Mount of Olives when he wept over Jerusalem.

This isn’t just Jesus being clever—it’s a judgment. They have rejected John, rejected the truth, and now they are rejecting Jesus. And in doing so, they are rejecting God’s authority itself.

Luke 20:1-8 – Meaning for Today

This passage exposes a truth that still applies today: people will go to great lengths to deny what’s right in front of them.

Jesus’ authority is real, but recognizing it means surrender. It means acknowledging that He is Lord—not us. That’s a hard pill to swallow for anyone clinging to their own power and control.

And what about us? Do we recognize his authority in our lives? Or do we, like the religious leaders, find ways to dodge the truth?

When Jesus speaks, when his Word convicts us, do we listen? Or do we rationalize, deflect, and avoid?

True faith isn’t just about acknowledging Jesus in theory. It’s about surrendering to him in practice.

FAQ About Luke 20:1-8

1. Why did the religious leaders question Jesus’ authority?

They saw Jesus as a threat. His teaching and actions disrupted their power and challenged the corrupt system they benefited from. By questioning his authority, they hoped to discredit him.

2. What was Jesus’ point in asking about John’s baptism?

Jesus exposed their hypocrisy. If they admitted John’s baptism was from God, they’d have to accept Jesus’ authority too. Their refusal to answer showed their dishonesty and fear of the people.

3. What does this passage teach about recognizing Jesus’ authority?

It challenges us to be honest in our faith. Are we willing to submit to Jesus, or do we look for excuses to avoid surrendering control?

4. How does this passage connect to the rest of Holy Week?

This confrontation escalates the conflict leading to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. By challenging the temple leaders, Jesus is openly defying their authority, which only intensifies their desire to kill him.

5. What is the main lesson for today’s believers?

Jesus has real authority over our lives. We must decide whether we will recognize and follow him, or—like the religious leaders—reject him out of fear, pride, or unwillingness to surrender.

Conclusion

The religious leaders wanted to trap Jesus, but they only exposed their own hypocrisy. Jesus doesn’t play their game. He doesn’t need their approval—his authority comes from God.

And today, the question remains: Do we acknowledge his authority? Or do we avoid it, just like they did?

Because at the end of the day, Jesus isn’t just another teacher