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

1
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. ​
2
And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. ​
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And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
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And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
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Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
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And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? ​
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They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8
So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
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And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
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But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
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And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
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Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. ​
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But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
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Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
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Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? ​
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So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. ​

Jesus Predicts His Death Again

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And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, ​
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Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, ​
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And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again. ​

The Request of James and John

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Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. ​
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And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
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But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. ​
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And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. ​
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And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. ​
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But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
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But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; ​
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And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
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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

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And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. ​
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And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. ​
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And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. ​
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And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
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They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
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So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they 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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