Luke 20:6 – “But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the religious leaders continue their internal discussion about how to answer Jesus’ question regarding John the Baptist’s authority. They realize that if they say John’s authority was merely human, they would face an angry backlash from the crowd, who believed John was a prophet sent by God. The people had witnessed John’s ministry and were convinced that his message came from heaven.
This moment reveals the leaders’ fear of losing public support. Their concern wasn’t about whether John’s authority was truly from God or not—it was about how their answer would affect their image and safety. Rather than humbly seeking the truth, they were calculating how to protect themselves. Their fear of being stoned by the people shows just how much influence John still had, even after his death, and how aware the leaders were of their fragile standing with the public.
Historical Context
By this time, John the Baptist had been executed by Herod Antipas (Luke 9:9). However, his impact on the people remained strong. John was widely respected as a prophet who called the nation to repentance, and many believed that he was preparing the way for the Messiah, as prophesied in the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:3). His message resonated with the common people, especially those seeking spiritual renewal and freedom from the oppressive religious system.
The religious leaders, on the other hand, had rejected John’s message because it threatened their authority. Now, as they face Jesus’ question, they are trapped. They can’t deny John’s prophetic role without angering the crowd, but they also can’t admit that John’s authority came from God without acknowledging that they had rejected a true messenger of God.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the danger of fearing people more than God. The religious leaders were supposed to be spiritual guides, but their hearts were focused on self-preservation rather than obedience to God. Their fear of the crowd outweighed their concern for truth, demonstrating a key theological problem: when human approval becomes more important than God’s approval, spiritual blindness follows (Proverbs 29:25).
This moment also shows how rejecting God’s messengers leads to a rejection of God’s greater plan. By dismissing John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus, the leaders had already positioned themselves to reject Jesus as well. Their refusal to humble themselves before God set them on a path of continued disobedience.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s writing here skillfully builds tension and exposes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. Their reasoning is centered on avoiding conflict, not on seeking truth. The phrase “all the people will stone us” highlights the depth of their fear, as stoning was a severe and violent punishment reserved for blasphemy or other serious offenses. This fear shows just how strongly the people believed in John’s role as a prophet.
Luke contrasts the crowd’s conviction about John’s authority with the leaders’ indecision and dishonesty. The leaders knew the truth deep down but were unwilling to face the consequences of admitting it.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 7:28-30 – Jesus praises John the Baptist, calling him the greatest prophet, but notes that the religious leaders rejected God’s purpose by rejecting John.
- Matthew 14:5 – Herod was afraid to kill John because he feared the reaction of the people, showing that John’s influence was widespread.
- Acts 5:38-39 – Gamaliel warns the Sanhedrin that opposing a movement from God would be futile, a warning that applies here to the leaders’ rejection of John and Jesus.
- Proverbs 29:25 – “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the danger of prioritizing human approval over God’s truth. The religious leaders knew what was right but were too afraid of public backlash to admit it. Believers today face similar pressures in a world that often opposes biblical truth. This verse challenges us to remain faithful to God, even when it’s unpopular or comes with personal risks.
It also encourages us to examine our own hearts. Are there areas where we compromise our faith to avoid conflict or rejection? Following Jesus means standing for truth, even when it costs us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He continued to send messengers to His people, even when they rejected them. John the Baptist was one of many prophets sent by God to call His people back to Him, and Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of that mission. God’s patience with the religious leaders, even as they plotted against His Son, reflects His mercy and desire for repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
This verse also reminds us that God’s love is not dependent on human approval. The religious leaders feared the people’s judgment, but God’s love for His people remained constant, even when they turned away from Him. His plan of salvation through Jesus wasn’t deterred by rejection or opposition.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects directly to Jesus’ mission because John the Baptist’s role was to prepare the way for Him (Luke 3:4-6). By asking about John’s authority, Jesus was indirectly pointing to His own authority. John had testified that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), but the leaders rejected both John’s testimony and Jesus’ identity.
Jesus’ death and resurrection would later demonstrate the ultimate victory of God’s authority over human rejection. After His resurrection, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18), making it clear that no amount of human opposition could stop God’s plan.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why were the religious leaders so afraid of the crowd’s reaction, and what does that reveal about their priorities?
- How can we avoid the trap of seeking human approval over God’s approval in our daily lives?
- Are there situations where you’ve been hesitant to stand for biblical truth because of fear of rejection or conflict?
- How does understanding God’s authority give you confidence to follow Him, even when it’s difficult?
- What can we learn from the crowd’s conviction about John’s authority, and how can we develop that same confidence in recognizing God’s work today?