Matthew 20
BSB1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. 3 About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 ‘You also go into my vineyard,’ he said, ‘and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went. He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6 About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ he asked. 7 ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. So he told them, ‘You also go into my vineyard.’ 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last ones hired and moving on to the first.’ 9 The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. 10 So when the original workers came, they assumed they would receive more. But each of them also received a denarius. 11 On receiving their pay, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Did you not agree with me on one denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you. 15 Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last." 17 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside and said, 18 “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death 19 and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. And on the third day He will be raised to life." 20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. 21 “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left." 22 “You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered. 23 “You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said. “But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them." 24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." 29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. 30 And there were two blind men sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" 31 The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" 32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “let our eyes be opened." 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and at once they received their sight and followed Him.
Study Notes — Matthew 20
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Matthew 20
- Themes from Matthew 20
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Matthew 20
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Matthew chapter 20 begins with a parable about laborers in a vineyard, where those who worked the least received the same reward as those who worked the most, illustrating God's generosity and grace. The chapter then describes Jesus' encounter with the mother of James and John, who sought positions of power for her sons, but Jesus taught them that true greatness comes from serving others. The chapter also records the healing of two blind men and Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He was hailed as the Son of David. Key verses include Matthew 20:1-16, Matthew 20:20-28, and Matthew 20:29-34.
Context for the Chapter
Matthew chapter 20 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where He will ultimately face crucifixion and resurrection. The chapter is situated between Jesus' teachings on discipleship and humility (Matthew 18-19) and His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11). The events and teachings in this chapter are closely tied to the themes of Jesus' ministry, including the importance of humility, service, and faith.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Matthew chapter 20, we are reminded of the importance of humility and service in our own lives. We are called to follow Jesus' example, serving others and seeking to glorify God in all that we do. May we be challenged to re-evaluate our priorities and seek to live out the principles of the kingdom of God, where true greatness is measured by our willingness to serve others.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Matthew chapter 20 is about humility and service. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, and He demonstrates this by giving His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). The chapter also includes a parable about laborers in a vineyard, where those who worked the least received the same reward as those who worked the most, illustrating God's generosity and grace (Matthew 20:1-16).
Voices from the Church
“The parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) teaches us that God's ways are not our ways, and that His generosity and grace are not limited by our notions of fairness and merit.”
— John Calvin
“The healing of the two blind men (Matthew 20:29-34) is a powerful reminder of Jesus' compassion and power, and the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Parable of the Laborers (Matthew 20:1-16) — The parable of the laborers in the vineyard highlights the generosity and grace of God, who rewards those who serve Him faithfully.
- The Request of James and John (Matthew 20:20-23) — The request of James and John for positions of power reveals their lack of understanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of true greatness.
- Jesus' Teaching on Humility and Service (Matthew 20:24-28) — Jesus' response to James and John emphasizes the importance of serving others and humility, and highlights His own example of humility and service.
- The Healing of the Blind Men (Matthew 20:29-34) — The healing of the two blind men demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power, and highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer.
- Conclusion (Matthew 20:34) — The chapter concludes with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He is hailed as the Son of David, the Messiah who has come to save His people.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Humility
- Matthew chapter 20 teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, and that humility is a key aspect of the kingdom of God.
- The Doctrine of Service
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of serving others, and highlights Jesus' own example of humility and service.
- The Doctrine of Grace
- The parable of the laborers in the vineyard illustrates God's generosity and grace, which are not limited by our notions of fairness and merit.
- The Doctrine of Faith
- The healing of the two blind men highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer.
Lessons from Matthew 20
- The Importance of Humility — Matthew chapter 20 teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, and that humility is a key aspect of the kingdom of God.
- The Value of Service — The chapter emphasizes the importance of serving others, and highlights Jesus' own example of humility and service.
- The Generosity of God — The parable of the laborers in the vineyard illustrates God's generosity and grace, which are not limited by our notions of fairness and merit.
- The Power of Faith — The healing of the two blind men highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer.
- The Example of Jesus — Jesus' own example of humility and service is a powerful reminder of the importance of serving others and seeking to glorify God in all that we do.
Themes from Matthew 20
- Humility and Service — Matthew chapter 20 teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, and that humility is a key aspect of the kingdom of God.
- The Generosity of God — The parable of the laborers in the vineyard illustrates God's generosity and grace, which are not limited by our notions of fairness and merit.
- The Importance of Faith — The healing of the two blind men highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer.
- The Example of Jesus — Jesus' own example of humility and service is a powerful reminder of the importance of serving others and seeking to glorify God in all that we do.
- The Kingdom of God — Matthew chapter 20 teaches us about the nature of the kingdom of God, where true greatness is measured by our willingness to serve others.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the parable of the laborers in the vineyard teach us about God's generosity and grace?
- How does Jesus' response to James and John reveal their lack of understanding of His mission and the nature of true greatness?
- What does the healing of the two blind men demonstrate about Jesus' compassion and power?
- How does Matthew chapter 20 challenge our notions of fairness and merit?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of humility and service in the kingdom of God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Parable of the Laborers (Matthew 20:1-16)
| 20:1 | The parable of the laborers in the vineyard begins with the owner of the vineyard going out to hire laborers to work in his vineyard. |
| 20:2 | The owner agrees to pay the laborers a denarius for their work, which is a fair wage for a day's work. |
| 20:3 | The owner goes out again to hire more laborers, and agrees to pay them whatever is right. |
| 20:4 | The owner continues to hire laborers throughout the day, and agrees to pay them whatever is right. |
| 20:5 | When the day is over, the owner pays the laborers who were hired last the same wage as those who were hired first. |
| 20:6 | The laborers who were hired first complain that they are not being paid fairly, but the owner reminds them that they agreed to work for a denarius. |
| 20:7 | The owner tells the laborers that he is generous and gracious, and that he will give them what is right. |
| 20:8 | The owner pays the laborers, starting with those who were hired last, and they all receive the same wage. |
| 20:9 | The laborers who were hired first are upset that they did not receive more than those who were hired last. |
| 20:10 | The owner reminds the laborers that they agreed to work for a denarius, and that he is being generous and gracious. |
| 20:11 | The laborers who were hired first receive their payment and go away, but they are not happy with the amount they received. |
| 20:12 | The owner tells the laborers that they are not being fair, and that he is being generous and gracious. |
| 20:13 | The owner reminds the laborers that they agreed to work for a denarius, and that he is being fair. |
| 20:14 | The owner tells the laborers that he can do what he wants with his money, and that he is being generous and gracious. |
| 20:15 | The owner asks the laborers if they are envious because he is generous, and reminds them that he is being fair. |
| 20:16 | The parable of the laborers in the vineyard ends with the owner reminding the laborers that the last will be first, and the first will be last. |
2. The Request of James and John (Matthew 20:20-23)
| 20:20 | The mother of James and John comes to Jesus and asks Him to grant her two sons a special place in His kingdom. |
| 20:21 | Jesus asks the mother what she wants, and she asks Him to grant her sons a special place in His kingdom. |
| 20:22 | Jesus tells the mother that she does not know what she is asking, and that His kingdom is not about power and prestige. |
| 20:23 | Jesus tells the mother that His kingdom is about serving others, and that His disciples must be willing to suffer and die for Him. |
3. Jesus' Teaching on Humility and Service (Matthew 20:24-28)
| 20:24 | The other disciples are upset with James and John for asking for a special place in Jesus' kingdom. |
| 20:25 | Jesus calls the disciples together and teaches them about the importance of humility and service. |
| 20:26 | Jesus tells the disciples that whoever wants to be great must be a servant, and that the greatest among them will be the one who serves others. |
| 20:27 | Jesus tells the disciples that He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. |
| 20:28 | Jesus' teaching on humility and service ends with Him reminding the disciples that true greatness comes from serving others. |
4. The Healing of the Blind Men (Matthew 20:29-34)
| 20:29 | As Jesus is leaving Jericho, two blind men call out to Him for help. |
| 20:30 | The blind men ask Jesus to have mercy on them, and Jesus stops and calls them to Him. |
| 20:31 | The crowd tries to silence the blind men, but they cry out even louder for Jesus to have mercy on them. |
| 20:32 | Jesus asks the blind men what they want Him to do for them, and they ask Him to heal their eyes. |
| 20:33 | Jesus touches the blind men's eyes and heals them, and they follow Him. |
| 20:34 | The healing of the blind men ends with them following Jesus and glorifying God. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Matthew chapter 20?
The main theme of Matthew chapter 20 is humility and service, as emphasized by Jesus' teachings and example.
What does the parable of the laborers in the vineyard teach us about God's generosity and grace?
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard teaches us that God's generosity and grace are not limited by our notions of fairness and merit, and that He rewards those who serve Him faithfully.
Why did Jesus' disciples react negatively to James and John's request for a special place in Jesus' kingdom?
The disciples reacted negatively because they did not understand the nature of Jesus' kingdom, and they were seeking power and prestige rather than serving others.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 20:1 → Isaiah 5:1-7 | The parable of the laborers in the vineyard is similar to the parable of the vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7, which also emphasizes God's generosity and grace. |
| 2 | Matthew 20:20 → Mark 10:35-45 | The request of James and John for a special place in Jesus' kingdom is also recorded in Mark 10:35-45, which emphasizes Jesus' teaching on humility and service. |
| 3 | Matthew 20:24 → Luke 22:24-30 | The disciples' reaction to James and John's request is also recorded in Luke 22:24-30, which emphasizes Jesus' teaching on humility and service. |
| 4 | Matthew 20:28 → Philippians 2:5-8 | Jesus' statement that He did not come to be served, but to serve, is similar to the statement in Philippians 2:5-8, which emphasizes Jesus' humility and willingness to serve others. |
| 5 | Matthew 20:29 → Luke 18:35-43 | The healing of the blind men is also recorded in Luke 18:35-43, which emphasizes Jesus' compassion and power. |
| 6 | Matthew 20:1-16 → 1 Corinthians 3:5-15 | The parable of the laborers in the vineyard is similar to the teaching in 1 Corinthians 3:5-15, which emphasizes the importance of serving others and being faithful to God. |
| 7 | Matthew 20:20-23 → James 4:1-10 | The request of James and John for a special place in Jesus' kingdom is similar to the teaching in James 4:1-10, which emphasizes the dangers of seeking power and prestige. |
| 8 | Matthew 20:24-28 → 1 Peter 5:1-5 | Jesus' teaching on humility and service is similar to the teaching in 1 Peter 5:1-5, which emphasizes the importance of serving others and being humble. |
| 9 | Matthew 20:29-34 → John 9:1-41 | The healing of the blind men is similar to the healing of the blind man in John 9:1-41, which emphasizes Jesus' compassion and power. |
| 10 | Matthew 20:1-34 → Hebrews 12:1-3 | The events and teachings in Matthew chapter 20 are similar to the teaching in Hebrews 12:1-3, which emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in serving God. |
Sermons on Matthew 20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Are We Willing to Drink His Cup? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young girl who had a profound impact on the powerful women of her time. The girl preached against prostitution and even caught th |
|
(Revelation) 09 Revelation 20 - the Millennium by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker shares about his experiences preaching to prisoners for several hours at a time. He tells the prisoners that if they remain faithful to Jesus and overco |
|
|
Revival Series 5 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the downfall of those who have gained wealth and power through dishonest means. He emphasizes that their kingdom will eventually perish, whil |
|
(Christ) Christ Our Example by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Christ and the example he set for believers. The preacher highlights seven major aspects of Christ's life. Firstly, there was a c |
|
Are You a Bruised Reed? by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's promises and the ministry of encouragement. He references Isaiah and the Old Testament to highlight the rich promise |
|
To Live Is Christ - Full Length by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal encounter with a frail and humble village woman who radiated the love of Jesus. The woman, who had six sons, revealed to the speaker t |
|
(Basics) 18. More on Dead Works by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher uses the parable of the laborers in the vineyard from Matthew 20 to answer the question of what we should expect to gain from our work. The main differ |
|
|
Road to Reality - to Live Is Christ - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus. He questions why many Christians who have knowledge of the Bible sti |
|
|
(Basics) 19. Some More on Dead Works by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher uses the parable of the laborers in the vineyard from Matthew 20 to answer the question of what we should expect to gain from our work. The main differ |
|
Ask Your Father in Heaven by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, highlighting God's infinite strength, righteousness, goodness, wisdom, and love, inviting believers to come and ask Him for good th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 20
Matthew chapter 20 is a rich and complex chapter that teaches us about the importance of humility and service in the kingdom of God. The parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) illustrates God's generosity and grace, which are not limited by our notions of fairness and merit. The request of James and John for a special place in Jesus' kingdom (Matthew 20:20-23) reveals their lack of understanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of true greatness. Jesus' teaching on humility and service (Matthew 20:24-28) emphasizes the importance of serving others and seeking to glorify God in all that we do. The healing of the blind men (Matthew 20:29-34) demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power, and highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer. Throughout the chapter, Jesus' example of humility and service is a powerful reminder of the importance of serving others and seeking to glorify God in all that we do. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Parable of the Laborers
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) highlights the generosity and grace of God, who rewards those who serve Him faithfully. It also challenges the notion of fairness and merit, emphasizing that God's ways are not our ways.
The Request of James and John
The request of James and John for positions of power (Matthew 20:20-23) reveals their lack of understanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of true greatness. Jesus' response emphasizes the importance of serving others and humility.
The Healing of the Blind Men
The healing of the two blind men (Matthew 20:29-34) demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power, and highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer.