David’s Son, David’s Lord, and David’s Savior (Luke 20:41-21:4)

Test the Teachers

Now it is Christ’s turn to ask a question of the leaders. He wants them to solve a riddle from Psalm 110. How is David a father and also a worshipper of his son at the same time? Christ is challenging the scribes and chief priests by questioning their understanding of the Messiah. He uses Psalm 110 to highlight the distinction between David and the Messiah, emphasizing that the Messiah’s eternal priesthood and kingship are established through his sacrificial death, not through earthly power. Christ then exposes the scribes’ hypocrisy and exploitation, particularly their exploitation of widows, as he observes them in the temple treasury. Some of the leaders are not following Christ as Lord.

Expose the Fruits

Jesus highlights the visible signs of unhealthy spiritual leadership: performative piety, pursuit of honor, and exploitation of the vulnerable, calling the community to judge leaders by their true impact, not by their status or presentation. Christ warns against a group of scribes who prioritize their own significance and exploit the weak, particularly widows and orphans. They seek prestige through outward displays like long robes, greetings in marketplaces, and seeking the best seats in synagogues and feasts. This behavior is exemplified by their exploitation of the poor, as seen in the story of the widow’s offering in Luke 21. The fruits of toxic leadership are exposed. It is the fruit of self-promotion rather than Gospel promotion. It is self-priority at the expense of gospel-prioioty.

Evidence of Exploitation

The widow’s offering is contrasted with public displays of generosity. She serves to expose how the toxic system prioritizes self-advancement and neglects those in genuine need. Christ observes a widow giving all she has to the temple, contrasting her sincere worship with the self-serving actions of religious leaders. This highlights the importance of aligning with God’s purposes, recognizing Christ’s priorities and values while seeking to live in light of Christ’s redemptive work. True leadership prioritizes God’s will over self-advancement, avoids exploiting others, and embodies genuine piety and humility that is cultivated for God’s glory rather than personal advancement.

Hope in Humble Obedience

Despite abuses, Christ encourages humility, self-denial, and patient faithfulness; even in flawed systems, God honors sincere devotion, reminding believers their ultimate hope and value are found in Christ the Redeemer, not in human institutions or leaders. The true joy of the Christian life is finding joy in dying to one’s sinful desires while cultivating to life Christ’s kingdom values. May our Lord grant us wisdom to discern what is pleasing to him. Let us do this not only individually, but corporately seeking to the church culture Christ would have us build.