The word “gospel” means “good news” or “glad tidings.” This is what the Lord Jesus was preaching in the temple. The people wanted to listen, but their religious leaders were envious. They demanded to know who gave the Lord His authority to teach and preach. Jesus said that if they could tell Him who gave John the Baptist authority, He would answer them. But they were afraid to say that John’s authority came from men because they feared the people would stone them. They really did not have the fear of God at all!
Now the Lord put forth a parable that they were able to understand. The owner of the vineyard sent servants and they were beaten or wounded. Would you have then sent your son to those wicked servants? What a picture this parable is of God’s love to lost sinners. He sent many prophets, but they were all rejected. Lastly, God sent His only begotten and beloved Son into this world to die for lost sinners. Love like this cannot be measured.
The Lord’s parable only angered these leaders, so they sent spies to lay a trap for Him. The Lord knew their craftiness, for He knows the heart of all men. The reply given to their question shows His infinite wisdom, for it was He who gave Solomon his wisdom.
Next came the Sadducees who denied any resurrection. They certainly would not be worthy of the resurrection of the dead because they didn’t believe the Scriptures or have faith in God’s power to raise the dead.
Now it was the Lord’s turn to expose these leaders before all the people. He told them to beware of their love for show in long prayers and long robes. They would receive the greater judgment.
1. The chief priests, the scribes and the elders would not say that the baptism of John was of men, because the people were persuaded that John was a __________. Luke 20:___
2. After the third servant was wounded and cast out, the lord of the vineyard decided to send his __________. Luke 20:___
3. When the Lord Jesus perceived the craftiness of the spies, what did He say to them? __________ Luke 20:___
4. Those who are accounted worthy to obtain that world and the resurrection from the dead neither __________ nor are given in __________. Luke 20:___
5. What will happen to the scribes who devoured widow’s houses and made long prayers for show? __________ Luke 20:___