Day 20 — Luke 20—Choosing Truth, Choosing Jesus

“But he looked directly at them and said, ‘What then is this that is written: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”?’” — Luke 20:17 (ESV)

Sir Winston Churchill once observed, “Truth is incontrovertible. Panic may resent it; ignorance may deride it; malice may distort it; but there it is.” That statement rings especially true as we come to Luke 20. Here we see truth standing face-to-face with religion, authority, tradition, and pride—and truth does not bend.

Truth is truth whether we believe it or not. It does not depend on our acceptance to remain true. And in Luke 20, Jesus embodies that truth. The religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees and scribes, did not lack information. What they lacked was submission. Rather than believing Jesus’ words, they chose to challenge, evade, and attempt to trap Him.

Luke tells us that these leaders questioned Jesus’ authority. “Tell us by what authority you do these things,” they demanded (Luke 20:2). On the surface, it sounds like a fair question. But Jesus knew their hearts. This was not a sincere inquiry—it was a setup. They were looking for something they could use against Him.

Jesus responds with a question of His own, pointing them back to John the Baptist. Was John’s baptism from heaven or from man? The leaders retreat into political calculation. If they affirm John, they condemn themselves for rejecting him. If they deny him, they fear the people. So they answer, “We do not know” (v. 7).

Here is the tragedy: they did know. They had seen John. They had heard him. They had witnessed repentance and transformation. But they had refused him. And that earlier refusal now trapped them. In rejecting John’s ministry, they had already positioned themselves to reject Jesus.

Warren Wiersbe wisely wrote, “You may forget your decisions, but they will not forget you. You may even try to bury them, but they will be resurrected to accuse you.” Decisions about truth are never isolated. They form patterns. Rejected light leads to deeper darkness.

Jesus then tells the parable of the wicked tenants—a story so clear that the leaders instantly recognize themselves in it. God is the vineyard owner. Israel is the vineyard. The servants are the prophets—sent again and again, beaten and rejected. Finally, the owner sends his beloved son. Surely they will respect him. But instead, the tenants kill the son, hoping to seize the inheritance.

Luke tells us plainly: they knew the parable was about them (Luke 20:19). And still, they refused to repent.

This is one of the most sobering truths in all of Scripture: proximity to truth does not guarantee submission to truth. You can hear sermons, read Scripture, attend worship, and still resist the authority of Christ. The Pharisees did not lack religion—they lacked humility.

Jesus then quotes Psalm 118 and delivers a warning that echoes through history: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” In ancient construction, the cornerstone determined the alignment of the entire building. Reject the cornerstone, and the structure collapses.

Jesus is that Stone. To those who believe, He is the foundation of salvation, life, and hope. But to those who reject Him, He becomes a stone of judgment. Jesus makes it unmistakably clear: “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him” (Luke 20:18).

There is no middle ground. Christ either saves you or judges you. He is either the cornerstone of your life or the stone you stumble over. Neutrality is an illusion.

The religious leaders continue with trick questions—about paying taxes, about resurrection, about Moses and marriage. Each time, they hope Jesus will say something they can accuse. Each time, His answers reveal not only divine wisdom, but their own ignorance and sin. Truth has a way of doing that. It does not merely inform—it exposes.

Jesus’ authority did not come from political power or religious systems. It came from heaven. And because of that, His words demanded a response. Not admiration. Not debate. A decision.

Luke 20 confronts us with the same choice. Will we resent truth when it disrupts our comfort? Will we deride it when it challenges our assumptions? Will we distort it to fit our preferences? Or will we receive it—even when it humbles us?

The Pharisees chose nostalgia over obedience, tradition over truth, control over surrender. And in rejecting the Son and the Stone, they set themselves on a path toward ruin.

But it does not have to be that way. Jesus stands before us still—the rejected Stone, now the risen Cornerstone. He offers salvation freely to all who will receive it. Forgiveness. New life. A sure foundation. Eternal hope.

So the question is deeply personal: What about you? Will you choose truth? Will you receive the gift of salvation and follow Jesus, the Cornerstone? Or will you keep Him at arm’s length, content to admire but unwilling to obey?

Joshua once stood before Israel and declared, “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Josh. 24:15). Luke 20 echoes that call. Choose today whom you will believe and follow.

Truth is not merely something to be acknowledged—it is Someone to be trusted. Choose truth. Choose Jesus.
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Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Cornerstone—firm, true, and unchanging. Forgive me for the times I have resisted Your truth or tried to reshape it to fit my comfort. I choose today to receive You fully—not just as Savior, but as Lord. Build my life upon You alone. Give me a heart that loves truth, submits to Your Word, and follows You faithfully. I choose You again today. In Your holy and powerful name, amen.

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