Luke 20:17 WEB

"But he looked at them and said, “Then what is this that is written,"

What Does Luke 20:17 Mean?

In Luke 20:17, Jesus engages with the religious leaders and challenges their understanding of Scripture. The verse reads, "But he looked at them and said, ‘Then what is this that is written?’" Here, Jesus is prompting them to reflect upon a specific scripture, which in the context refers to Psalm 118:22-23. This moment is pivotal as it reveals the authority of Jesus over the interpretations of the Law, emphasizing that he is the cornerstone that the builders (the religious leaders) have rejected.

The phrase "what is this that is written" signifies a deeper inquiry into the Scriptures that the leaders claim to uphold. By referencing the Old Testament, Jesus reminds them of their responsibility to understand and apply God's Word correctly. This is not just a rhetorical question; it is a challenge to their authority and understanding. The implication is clear: their rejection of Him as the Messiah is a direct contradiction to what the Scriptures themselves declare.

This verse appears in a broader conversation in Luke 20, where Jesus is confronted by the chief priests and scribes. They question His authority, but rather than directly answering, Jesus redirects the conversation to Scripture, demonstrating His profound understanding of the Law and its fulfillment in Him. This narrative is crucial within the Gospel of Luke, which emphasizes Jesus' role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, showing how He reinterprets and fulfills the Law.

Many misunderstand this verse to simply be a mere reference to Scripture without realizing the weight of Jesus' challenge. He is not just asking a question; he is inviting the leaders to recognize their failure to see Him as the fulfillment of prophecy. This interaction exposes the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, showcasing the conflict that ultimately leads to His crucifixion. Understanding Luke 20:17 in this way highlights the importance of engaging with biblical texts thoughtfully and recognizing Jesus' central role in the interpretation of Scripture.

Practical Application

Luke 20:17 can be applied to modern Christian life in several profound ways. First, it encourages believers to actively engage with Scripture, asking challenging questions about what is being said and how it applies to their lives. In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to skim over biblical texts without truly understanding their implications. This verse prompts us to dive deeper into our faith and seek clarity in our understanding of God’s Word.

Consider a scenario where a Christian is faced with a moral dilemma at work. They may wonder how to navigate the situation while remaining true to their faith. Reflecting on Luke 20:17 encourages them to seek guidance from Scripture, asking, "What does the Bible say about this?" This approach can lead to a more grounded and faithful decision-making process. Similarly, when facing challenges in relationships, whether it’s with family, friends, or colleagues, turning to Scripture for wisdom can provide insight that aligns with God’s will, just as Jesus directed the religious leaders to the written Word.

To live out this teaching, Christians can take actionable steps such as setting aside regular time for Bible study, joining a small group for deeper discussions, or even journaling their thoughts and questions about the Scriptures. These practices can help foster a more profound understanding of the Bible and its relevance to daily life. Moreover, believers should be encouraged to ask questions within their church communities, just as Jesus did, fostering an environment where exploring faith is welcomed.

Finally, here are some personal reflection questions: How often do I engage seriously with Scripture? What questions do I have about my understanding of God’s Word? Are there areas in my life where I need to seek biblical guidance more intentionally? These reflections can lead to a richer spiritual experience and a deeper relationship with God.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Luke 20 where Jesus faces opposition from religious leaders. They question His authority, and instead of directly answering, He points them to Scripture, indicating that His identity and mission are deeply rooted in the Old Testament. This sets the stage for the eventual conflict leading to His crucifixion.

Historical Background

The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, around A.D. 60-70. Luke's aim was to provide an accurate account of Jesus' life and teachings, emphasizing His role as the Savior for all people. The historical context reflects a time of tension between early Christians and Jewish religious authorities.

Reflection Questions

Common Questions

What does 'what is this that is written' mean?

The phrase 'what is this that is written' indicates Jesus’ challenge to the religious leaders to reflect on their understanding of Scripture. It highlights the importance of engaging with the Bible thoughtfully, urging leaders to consider how their rejection of Him contradicts the very Scriptures they claim to uphold.

Why did Jesus refer to the Scriptures?

Jesus referred to the Scriptures to assert His authority and to show that His identity and mission were prophesied in the Old Testament. By doing so, He emphasized the necessity of understanding Scripture in light of His fulfillment of those prophecies, challenging the religious leaders' interpretations.

What is the significance of the cornerstone?

The cornerstone is a metaphor for Jesus as the foundational element of faith and the Church. Rejecting Him, as the builders did, signifies a serious misjudgment, as He is essential for true understanding and relationship with God. The cornerstone is crucial for the stability and integrity of the whole structure.

How can we apply Luke 20:17 today?

In modern life, Luke 20:17 encourages believers to engage deeply with Scripture, asking questions and seeking understanding. This can lead to better decision-making in personal challenges and a more profound relationship with God, as one looks to His Word for guidance and wisdom.

Why is understanding Scripture important?

Understanding Scripture is vital because it informs our beliefs, guides our actions, and shapes our relationship with God. Misinterpretation can lead to misguided faith practices. Engaging with the Bible allows believers to align their lives with God's will and understand the broader narrative of salvation.

Memory Tips

To remember Luke 20:17, focus on key phrases like "what is this that is written?" This encapsulates Jesus' challenge to understand Scripture. A good memory technique is to visualize Jesus looking intently at the religious leaders while posing this question, emphasizing the importance of reflection and understanding.

Incorporate Luke 20:17 into daily devotions by writing it down in a journal and contemplating its meaning each day. Set aside time to meditate on the implications of Scripture in your life. Consider creating index cards with this verse and relevant questions to prompt deeper exploration during quiet time.

A mnemonic device could be to associate the idea of the cornerstone with stability and foundation. Remember that Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, and His teachings guide us in interpreting Scripture correctly. This connection can help reinforce the memory of Luke 20:17 and its importance in your spiritual journey.