2016-09-25: Luke-The Investigative Gospel – The Authority of Jesus Challenged

Sermon Audio: The Authority of Jesus Challenged
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 20:1-18
Duration: 24:27
Size: 11.1 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
Luke 20:1-18

As Jesus’ ministry and mission was coming to its climactic end in Jerusalem, the religious rulers did not believe that Jesus was sent by God.

I. The Ensnaring Question of the Rulers

Jesus’ authority did not rest on other human teachers; his authority came directly from God himself.

II. The Counter Question of Jesus

This was so clever! Jesus wanted them to affirm to the people what they thought about John the Baptist.

III. The Dishonest Answer of the Rulers

So, now, in the midst of the crowds in the temple, it would be foolish to say that John’s authority was self-derived.

IV. The Concluding Response of Jesus

V. The Pointed Parable of Jesus

Jesus used an image in this parable, usually called “The Parable of the Wicked Tenants“, that was readily understood by everyone.

Every part of the parable symbolized something or someone. Therefore, the man = God, the Father; the vineyard = Israel; the tenants = Israel’s leaders; the servants = the prophets; and, finally, the son = Jesus.

A. The Work Agreement Between the Man and the Tenants

Jesus’ point is that God established Israel as his vineyard. The tenants he put in charge of the vineyard were the religious rulers.

B. The Wickedness of the Tenants

Jesus’ point was that Israel’s leaders had become successful from the fruit of the vineyard, and they wanted to keep the bounty for themselves.

Jesus’ point in the parable is that the leaders would go as far as murder in order to maintain their position, status, and authority.

C. The Wrath of the Man

They could not fathom that God would destroy them.

D. The Warning to All

Jesus was saying that he is the cornerstone. And Israel was rejecting him.