A ‘catch 22’ is a dilemma where someone can’t escape because of conflicting or contradictory rules and outcomes. This is exactly what one finds in Jesus’ interactions with the Jewish leaders in this section of Luke's Gospel. The last two verses of chapter 19 provide a bit of context for the story that unfolds at the beginning of chapter 20. Jesus has made it to Jerusalem and has begun teaching in the temple. Then, the opposition enters the picture. The Jewish leaders are seeking to destroy Jesus, even though there is no evidence that he is guilty (19:47-48). So, as we’ve seen so many times before in Luke’s Gospel, they set out to trap Jesus. Questioning Jesus on the source of his authority, Jesus turns the tables on them and offers an answer provided that they honestly answer his question first. However, when realizing that to answer Jesus honestly would mean they either admit to rejecting God’s messenger or open themselves up to critique from the public, they choose silence. This passage puts the ignorance and hostility of the Jewish leaders on full display and challenges each of us to ask if we too are guilty of questioning the authority of Jesus.
The Last Word
Luke 20:1-8
January 16, 2022 • Ben Potloff
Famous Last Words
April 15, 2022 • Ben Potloff
Luke 23:26-50 | Ben Potloff | It was the darkest day in history. Jesus would soon be revealed as God’s resurrected Son and “firstborn from the dead,” but now he is nailed to the cross. Though the best part of the story is soon to come, it is important that we not skip over the weight and sadness of Jesus’ sacrifice in this chapter. God was willing to make a way for sinners like us to be reconciled to himself, but it came at a cost. It cost everything. A man named Phillip helps Jesus carry the cross outside the city, and Jesus is nailed to that cross. As he hangs there, he is mocked, and the guards cast lots over his clothing. Even in these painful moments, we see glimpses of beauty. Jesus offers up a prayer to his father, “Forgive them, father, for they know not what they do.” With his mission on earth still in focus, Jesus extends mercy and invites one of the criminals to join him in paradise. The beautiful day of resurrection will come soon, but for now, we must read and reflect on the reality that our new life came at the cost of our Savior’s life. The author of life is put to death.
Miscarriage of Justice
April 10, 2022 • Ben Potloff
Luke 23:1-25 | Ben Potloff | It is no exaggeration to say that the entire Christian faith is built upon Jesus’ actions recorded in the next two chapters of Luke, so read and reread these verses closely. In Luke 9, we see Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem to accomplish the work he was sent to complete. Now, we see that work unfolding as Jesus is falsely accused and put on trial. The assembly of the elders of the people accuse Jesus before Pilate, a man who would determine if Jesus was to be crucified or not. Pilate sees no fault in Jesus but the mob persists. “Crucify him!” they shout. Pilate releases the criminal named Barabbas from prison and allows Jesus to be sent to his death.
Role Reversal
April 3, 2022 • Ben Potloff
Luke 22:66-71 | Ben Potloff | In this last portion of Luke 22, the author is using five verses to focus on one thing: the identity of Jesus. Morning comes and the Jewish leadership carts Jesus off to their= council chamber, perhaps to make official the deliberations from the previous night at the high priest’s house (v. 54). There, they ask, “are you the Christ?” What was Jesus supposed to answer? His interrogators were wanting him to answer that he was the Christ, implying his equality with God. Jesus is not coy but he responds indirectly, “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They receive a gift horse; there is a noose hanging there and Jesus puts his head through it. They check with another question (v. 70a) and get Jesus’ response (v. 70b). They take Jesus’ words as an affirmation, and they move quickly to punish him for what they consider to be blasphemy.