Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 20:1-8
J.C. Ryle explains how Jesus' authority was challenged by religious leaders, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in the face of opposition as they follow Christ's example.
In this sermon, J.C. Ryle offers an expository reflection on Luke 20:1-8, focusing on the challenge to Jesus' authority by the chief priests and scribes. He highlights the motives behind their opposition and draws parallels to the experiences of faithful Christians today. Ryle encourages believers to persevere in ministry despite opposition, finding comfort in Christ's example and sympathy.
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THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS QUESTIONED
Let us notice, firstly, in this passage, the demand which the chief Priests and scribes made upon our Lord. "Tell us," they said, "by what authority you do these things? and who gave you this authority?"
The spirit which prompted this demand is too evident to be mistaken. These men hated and envied Christ. They saw His influence increasing. They saw their own power waning. They resolved, if possible, to stop the progress of this new teacher; and the point on which they made their assault was His authority. His mighty works they ought to have examined. His teaching they ought, in all fairness, to have compared with their own Scriptures. But they refused to take either one course or the other. They preferred to call in question His commission.
Every true-hearted Christian who tries to do good in the world, must make up his mind to be treated like his Master. He must never be surprised to find, that the self-righteous and the worldly-minded dislike His ways. The lawfulness of his proceedings will be constantly called in question. He will be regarded as meddlesome, disorderly, and self-conceited, a pestilent fellow, and a troubler of Israel. (Acts 24:5; 1 Kings 18:17.) Scripture-readers, district-visitors, lay-agents, and unordained missionaries, are specially liable to meet with such treatment. And worst of all they will often meet with enemies, where they ought to find friends.
Let all who are attacked by the world for trying to do good, take comfort in the thought that they are only drinking of the cup which Christ drank. Their Master in heaven sympathizes with them. Let them work on patiently, and believe that, if they are faithful, their work will speak for itself. The world\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Challenge to Jesus' Authority
- Religious leaders question Jesus' authority
- Their motives rooted in envy and fear
- Refusal to examine Jesus' works or teachings
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II. The Spirit Behind the Opposition
- Hatred and envy toward Christ
- Desire to halt Jesus' growing influence
- Unwillingness to engage with Scripture fairly
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III. The Christian's Experience of Opposition
- Believers face similar questioning and hostility
- Being labeled as troublemakers or self-conceited
- Encouragement to endure as Christ did
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IV. Comfort and Encouragement for the Faithful
- Christ sympathizes with those persecuted
- Faithfulness will ultimately vindicate the worker
- Patience and perseverance in ministry
Key Quotes
“Every true-hearted Christian who tries to do good in the world, must make up his mind to be treated like his Master.” — J.C. Ryle
“The lawfulness of his proceedings will be constantly called in question.” — J.C. Ryle
“Let all who are attacked by the world for trying to do good, take comfort in the thought that they are only drinking of the cup which Christ drank.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Expect opposition when standing firm in your faith and doing good works.
- Find comfort in knowing Christ understands and sympathizes with your struggles.
- Remain patient and faithful, trusting that your work for God will be vindicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the religious leaders question Jesus' authority?
They were motivated by hatred and envy, fearing the loss of their own power as Jesus' influence grew.
What should Christians expect when doing good works?
They should expect opposition and criticism, similar to what Jesus experienced from the self-righteous and worldly-minded.
How can believers find comfort in persecution?
By remembering that Christ himself suffered opposition and sympathizes with those who endure for His sake.
What is the proper response to being questioned or opposed for faithfulness?
To continue patiently and faithfully, trusting that their work will ultimately speak for itself.
What does this passage teach about the authority of Jesus?
It affirms that Jesus' authority is divine and genuine, even when challenged by human leaders.