Luke 20:1-8 – Lies

These men hate and envy Christ. They see His influence increasing. They see their own power decreasing. They are determined to stop the progress of this new teacher, and so they attack His authority. Every Christian who is trying to serve God in this world will be treated in exactly the same way. The world will constantly call into question his right to say or do anything. He will be seen as a meddling, proud, trouble-maker. But when we are attacked by the world in this way, we can take comfort in the fact that our Lord has been treated exactly the same.

Jesus refers those who question His authority to John the Baptist. Don’t they admit that John is a prophet who they went to hear? But John himself testifies that Jesus is the Christ. Often, John the Baptist’s ministry is so overshadowed by Christ, that we forget to pay it any attention. But we shouldn’t forget that John the Baptist’s ministry produces a huge effect on the Jewish mind, and prepares all Israel, from one end of the country to the other, for the Messiah. The Jews have no excuse for rejecting Christ. They can not say that they are taken by surprise when our Lord begins to preach. The whole teaching of John the Baptist has prepared them for what Christ has to say.

Jesus’ enemies tell lies. They could have told the truth, but they will not because they are proud. Lies are common among unbelievers. Thousands will say anything rather than admit that they are wrong. Unbelievers will often say things against Christians that they know are untrue. They often know that the Gospel is true, but they don’t have the courage to admit it. Patiently let us pray for these people.

Questions
1. What do Jesus’ enemies attack?
2. Why does Jesus refer them to John the Baptist?
3. Why did Jesus’ enemies lie?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for our unbelieving neighbours.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.