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Luke 20

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, 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?

And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.

And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

Last of all the woman died also.

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

What does Luke 20:36 mean?

Explanation

Luke 20:36 speaks of a state of existence after the resurrection that differs from life as humans typically understand it.

The passage is telling us that those who attain to this state will no longer die.

Comparing them to angels, it suggests that the resurrected beings will be immortal.

The reference to being "equal unto the angels" also implies that these individuals will exist in a spiritual or heavenly state.

Furthermore, the phrase "they are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection" signifies a special relationship with God afforded to those who are resurrected. It emphasizes the idea of being granted divine sonship and a new, eternal life through the power of the resurrection.

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Historical Context

Luke 20:36 is part of a conversation Jesus is having with the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection.

In this discourse, which occurs during Jesus' teaching in the temple before his crucifixion, the Sadducees present him with a hypothetical situation meant to make the concept of the resurrection seem absurd.

However, Jesus responds by correcting their understanding and illustrates the nature of the afterlife, thereby affirming the reality of the resurrection.

The verse is not only theological but also polemical, as it addresses a specific controversy within the Jewish community of the time.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, Luke 20:36 provides theological insights into the nature of life after the resurrection. It affirms the Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life.

Theologically, it contrasts the mortal existence of humans with the immortal nature of angels, suggesting a transformation will occur for the resurrected.

The verse is often interpreted to mean that resurrected beings will live in a glorified state, free from earthly limitations and the cycle of death and rebirth.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical applications, this verse can offer comfort and hope to believers, especially in times of grief or contemplating mortality.

It provides assurance of a future existence whereby death is no longer a concern, which can encourage individuals to view their earthly challenges in a different, more transient light.

Furthermore, it can inspire people to live in a manner worthy of this future promise: by being virtuous, just, and loving, following the example set by Jesus.

Cross-References

Matthew 22:30 - "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."
1 Corinthians 15:52 - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
Revelation 21:4 - "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the verb "die" (ἀποθνῄσκω apothnḗiskō) is used, meaning to die or expire.

The term "equal" (ἴσοι ísoi) implies likeness or similarity.

"Angels" translates from (ἄγγελοι ángeloi), which means messengers, though here it is commonly understood to mean heavenly beings.

The phrase "children of God" is derived from (υἱοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ huioi tou Theou), signifying a divine relationship or lineage. These linguistic elements underpin the meaning and affirm the theological message of the verse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of immortality and beings equal to angels can also be found in other ancient religious texts and mythologies.

For instance, ancient Egyptian beliefs included an afterlife where the deceased lived on in an idealized version of Egypt.

In Greek mythology, some humans were considered to have been elevated to divine status or to live eternally among the gods after death.

However, the Christian notion of resurrection and the formation of a direct relationship as "children of God" distinguishes this verse from other ancient beliefs.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the concepts discussed in Luke 20:36 are not subject to empirical testing or scientific evidence, as they pertain to spiritual beliefs about the afterlife and immortality.

While science can study the processes of life and death, the theological and metaphysical nature of resurrection and eternal life as presented in this verse are beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

According to biblical scholars and theologians, Luke 20:36 offers insight into the nature of resurrected life and how it contrasts with earthly life.

Many agree that Jesus uses this teaching to counter the Sadducees' disbelief in the resurrection and to affirm its central role in Christian eschatology.

Furthermore, commentators often point out that in Luke's Gospel, the emphasis on resurrection is particularly strong, portraying it as a transformative event that grants believers a new existence in God's presence.

Some modern scholars also explore the socio-political implications of the resurrection teaching in the context of Second Temple Judaism and the Sadducees' specific beliefs.

Luke 20

Luke 20

What does Luke 20:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 20:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?