Luke 20:23

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. For the exposition, see the notes at Mark 12:13....

20-26 Those who are most crafty in their designs against Christ and his gospel, cannot hide them. He did not give a direct answer, but reproved them for offering to impose upon him; and they could not fasten upon any thing wherewith to stir up either the governor or the people against him. The wisdom which is from above, will direct all who teach the way of God truly, to avoid the snares laid for them by wicked men; and will teach our duty to God, to our rulers, and to all men, so clearly, that opposers will have no evil to say of us....

See this explained in the Matthew 22:15 notes, and Mark 12:13 notes....

EXPOSITION LUKE 20:1 _Question of the priests and scribes as to the nature of the authority under which Jesus was acting._ LUKE 20:1, LUKE 20:2 AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT ON ONE OF THOSE DAYS, AS HE TAUGHT THE PEOPLE IN THE TEMPLE, AND PREACHED THE GOSPEL. We are now in the midst of the so-called Passion week. Probably the events related in this chapter took place on the Tuesday. The first day of the week, Palm Sunday, was the day of the public entry into the city. The purification of the temple took place on the Monday, on which day also the barren fig tree was cursed. We are now considering the eve

BUT HE PERCEIVED THEIR CRAFTINESS,.... Knowing what was in them, and being a discerner of the thoughts and intents of their hearts, he clearly saw that their view was either, that they might have a charge against him to the Roman governor, should he declare against payment of tribute; or that they might expose him to the people of the Jews, should he assert the lawfulness of it: AND SAID UNTO THEM, WHY TEMPT YE ME? with this ensnaring question....

CHAPTER 20 _ 1. His Authority Demanded and His Answer.(Luke 20:1)_ 2. Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. (Luke 20:9) 3. Question about Tribute to Caesar. (Luke 20:20) 4. The Question Concerning Resurrection. (Luke 20:27) 5. The Question Christ Asked. (Luke 20:41) 6. Beware of the Scribes! (Luke 20:45 .) The events in this chapter are found in both Matthew's and Mark's Gospels. The parable of the vineyard foretells His death. He is the so

THE QUESTION OF TRIBUTE (Mark 12:13 *, Matthew 22:15 *). The authorities send spies who pretend to be honest inquirers, pious observers of the Law, with a really conscientious scruple. LUKE 20:21. THOU SAYEST AND TEACHEST RIGHTLY, _ i.e._ straightforwardly....

BY WHAT AUTHORITY? (Luke 20:1-8)...

PERCEIVED. discerned. Greek. _katanoeo._ Not the same word as in Luke 20:19. CRAFTINESS. cunning. Greek. _panourgia._ Used only by Luke (here), and Paul (1 Corinthians 3:19; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 11:3.Ephesians 4:14; Ephesians 4:14)....

_Why tempt ye mey_&c. Our Lord saw at once that it was a cunning test-question meant only to entrap Him. Not for a moment did these fawning spies deceive him though "Neither man nor angel can discern Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks Invisible, except to God alone." These Pharisees were illustrating the truth that "no form of self-deceit is more hateful than that which veils spite and falsehood under the guise of frankness, and behind the profession of religion....