Many Questions
The chief priests, scribes, elders, and Sadducees questioned
Jesus about his authority and about the resurrection. Jesus
responded with parables and with questions of his own, which
they were unwilling to answer.
Luke 20 Outline
20:1-26
Religious leaders confront Jesus in the temple
20:1-8
Question about Jesus’ authority to teach
20:9-18
Parable of the wicked vine-growers
20:19-26
Test regarding tribute to Caesar
20:27-40
Sadducees question Jesus about the resurrection
20:41-43
Scribes questioned about David calling his son “Lord”
20:45-47
Warnings about outwardly appearing righteous
Denarius of Tiberius Caesar
The denarius was a dime-sized silver coin equal to one day’s
wage. Rome annually imposed a poll-tax on adult males in Judea.
The denarius was rendered to pay this tax.
Tiberius' profile appears on the heads-side of the denarius,
surrounded by an inscription that is translated, "Augustus
Tiberius, son of the Divine Augustus." The tails-side shows
Tiberius seated on a throne, with the inscription "Pontif
Maxim", which means "Priest most high."
Jesus on Taxes
Jews objected to paying taxes to Rome, which had occupied Judea
since 64 B.C. They also objected to Caesar's blasphemous claims
of divinity. The denarius at once represented the tax and
Caesar's divine claims.
It's interesting to observe that Jesus asked his opponents to
produce a denarius. It can be argued that since they carried and
spent those coins, they assented to the benefits of Roman rule.
Obliged to God and Government
Despite their best efforts, the religious leaders could not cope
with the wisdom of Jesus. He adeptly answered their question by
commanding them to render what is due to Caesar, and what is due
to God. They were obligated both to civil and to spiritual
authorities.