Matthew20

Matthew 20 begins with the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, where all, regardless of hours worked, receive the same wage, illustrating God's sovereign generosity and the principle that the last shall be first. Jesus then foretells his crucifixion and resurrection to his disciples. Following this, he teaches on humble servanthood after the mother of James and John requests positions of honour for her sons, emphasizing that the Son of man came to minister and give his life as a ransom. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing two blind men near Jericho who earnestly seek his mercy.

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The Parable of the Laborers

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

And when he had agreed with the laborers for a shilling a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing in the marketplace idle;

and to them he said, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.

And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing; and he saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard.

And when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and pay them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a shilling.

And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a shilling.

And when they received it, they murmured against the householder,

saying, These last have spent but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.

But he answered and said to one of them, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a shilling?

Take up that which is thine, and go thy way; it is my will to give unto this last, even as unto thee.

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?

So the last shall be first, and the first last.

Jesus Predicts His Death Again

And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he said unto them,

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they shall condemn him to death,

and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up.

The Request of James and John

Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him.

And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom.

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able.

He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared of my Father.

And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;

and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant:

even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

And as they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David.

And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David.

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do unto you?

They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him.

Study Notes for Matthew 20

Verse 1

The parable begins by describing the Kingdom of Heaven in terms of God’s absolute sovereignty and generosity, challenging human notions of strict meritocracy.

Verse 2

A 'penny' (denarius) was the standard daily wage for a laborer, establishing a fair and legal contract for the workers hired early in the day.

Verse 6

The 'eleventh hour' (around 5 PM) represents those who come to faith late in life or those newly included in the covenant community, highlighting God’s grace.

Verse 12

The complaint reveals a human expectation that reward should be based strictly on effort and duration, contrasting with the householder’s focus on generosity and fulfilling his promise.

Verse 15

This verse is a crucial statement on God’s sovereignty, asserting His right to dispense grace as He wills. The 'evil eye' (a figure of speech) signifies envy or resentment toward another’s good fortune.

Verse 16

This concluding proverb summarizes the parable’s core teaching: God’s standards often reverse human expectations of status and reward. The final phrase, 'many be called, but few chosen,' is likely a later addition emphasizing the necessity of genuine commitment.

Verse 17

This is Jesus’ third and most detailed prediction of his passion (cf. 16:21; 17:22-23), indicating his firm resolve and conscious movement toward the cross in Jerusalem.

Verse 18

Jesus explicitly details the betrayal by Jewish authorities, emphasizing that his suffering is not an accident but part of a divine plan.

Verse 19

Jesus specifies the role of the Gentiles (Romans) in his execution, listing mocking, scourging, and crucifixion, before affirming the resurrection on the third day.

Verse 20

Matthew uniquely identifies the mother of James and John as the primary spokesperson, likely attempting to mitigate the sons’ ambition in the eyes of the early church.

Verse 22

The 'cup' and 'baptism' are metaphors for suffering and martyrdom, asking if the disciples are prepared to share in Jesus’ impending ordeal. They mistakenly assume they are ready for glory without first accepting the cost.

Verse 23

Jesus confirms that James and John will indeed suffer for his sake (James was martyred early, Acts 12:2), but final places of honor are reserved solely by the Father’s decree.

Verse 24

The indignation of the other ten disciples demonstrates that all twelve were preoccupied with status and ranking within the anticipated earthly kingdom.

Verse 26

Jesus contrasts the worldly model of leadership, based on power and dominance, with the radical ethic of the Kingdom, which is based on service.

Verse 28

This verse is a foundational Christological statement, defining Jesus' mission as one of sacrificial service. He came to give his life as a 'ransom for many,' establishing the basis of atonement theology.

Verse 29

This miracle occurs as Jesus departs Jericho, a significant staging area, and begins the final ascent toward Jerusalem for Passover.

Verse 30

The title 'Son of David' is a clear messianic acknowledgment, recognizing Jesus' claim to the throne of Israel and his role as the expected deliverer.

Verse 31

The crowd’s attempt to silence the marginalized highlights the social barriers and skepticism Jesus often defied in responding to the needy.

Verse 34

Jesus’ action is motivated by compassion (splagchnizomai), a deep, visceral emotion often attributed to God in the Scriptures. The restoration of sight leads immediately to discipleship.

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Matthew20

The Parable of the Laborers

Jesus Predicts His Death Again

The Request of James and John

Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

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