New Testament
Luke 20:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, a group of spies approaches Jesus with flattery, acknowledging His teaching as just and impartial.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
These spies said, "Teacher, we know you speak and teach what is right. You don't show favoritism but truly teach God's way.
And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a group of spies approaches Jesus with flattery, acknowledging His teaching as just and impartial. They recognize that He does not show favoritism, meaning He treats everyone equally and teaches God's truth without bias. This statement highlights the integrity of Jesus' message and His commitment to God's principles. The spies, however, have ulterior motives, as they are trying to trap Him with their questions. Their acknowledgment of His righteousness serves to set the stage for their attempt to challenge His authority. This moment illustrates the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, who are threatened by His influence and the truth He represents. It also emphasizes the importance of teaching and living out God's way without prejudice, a key aspect of Jesus' ministry that resonates with His followers today.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 20:21 to your life
We should strive to teach and live out God's truth without showing favoritism. This means treating everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of their background or status. By embodying these values, we can reflect Christ's character in our interactions with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 20:21 mean?
Luke 20:21 describes a group of spies flattering Jesus by acknowledging His fair and truthful teaching. They recognize that He does not show favoritism, which highlights His integrity and commitment to God's principles, even as they plan to challenge Him.
What is the significance of impartiality in Luke 20:21?
Impartiality in Luke 20:21 emphasizes that Jesus teaches God's truth without bias, treating everyone equally. This quality is crucial for His ministry and serves as a model for how we should interact with others.
How does Luke 20:21 relate to teaching God's way?
Luke 20:21 highlights that teaching God's way involves being truthful and impartial. Jesus exemplifies this by not showing favoritism, which is a key aspect of His message and ministry.
What does the flattery in Luke 20:21 indicate?
The flattery in Luke 20:21 indicates the spies' ulterior motives as they seek to trap Jesus. While they acknowledge His righteousness, their praise is insincere and serves to set up their challenge against Him.
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