Matthew 20 Commentary: The Kingdom Upside Down
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.
And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
And said unto them; 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 ninth hour, and did likewise.
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?
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.
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.
And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
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.
But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
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,
And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
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.
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.
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.
And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
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.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him 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.
And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
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.
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.
And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Matthew 20, a pivotal chapter in Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, unveils profound truths about God's kingdom. It challenges our worldly understanding of reward, ambition, and greatness, offering a perspective that is both humbling and liberating. As Jesus prepares His disciples for the ultimate sacrifice, He imparts lessons that resonate with us today, urging us to embrace a life of service and unwavering faith. This chapter, rich in parables, predictions, and powerful encounters, serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of God's grace and our role in His kingdom. The keywords Matthew 20 will help you better understand the bible.
The Parable of the Laborers: Grace and Fairness (Matthew 20:1-16)
Jesus begins with a compelling parable, a vivid illustration of His earlier statement that "the last will be first, and the first last" (Matthew 19:30). A landowner hires laborers throughout the day, promising a denarius—a standard day's wage—to those hired early in the morning (Matthew 20:1-2). As the day progresses, he hires more workers, promising to pay them "whatever is right" (Matthew 20:3-7). At the end of the day, all the laborers, regardless of when they started, receive a full denarius (Matthew 20:8-9).
Understandably, those hired first grumble, feeling they deserve more (Matthew 20:10-12). The landowner, however, reminds them that he fulfilled his agreement (Matthew 20:13-15). He emphasizes his right to be generous with his own resources. Jesus concludes by reiterating, "So the last will be first, and the first last" (Matthew 20:16).
This parable isn't about fair labor practices in a worldly sense. Instead, it reveals the nature of God's grace. God is both fair and generous. The denarius represents eternal life, freely offered to all who believe, regardless of when they come to faith. It challenges the human tendency to compare ourselves to others and to resent God's blessings on them. Just as the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son struggled with his father's generosity towards his wayward sibling (Luke 15:25-32), we too must guard against envy and embrace God's boundless compassion. The Jews expected better treatment from God because of their background as God’s people, but God's compassion extends to the Gentiles as well.
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection (Matthew 20:17-19)
For the third time, Jesus explicitly foretells His impending suffering, death, and resurrection to His disciples (Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:18-19). He details how He will be betrayed, condemned by the religious leaders, handed over to the Gentiles, mocked, flogged, and crucified. Yet, He also promises that He will rise again on the third day.
This repeated prediction underscores the central importance of the crucifixion and resurrection to Jesus' mission. It was the reason He had come. It was the basis for their future ministry and message. This truth would later become the cornerstone of the gospel message, as Paul articulated in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
The Request of James and John: Ambition and Service (Matthew 20:20-28)
The mother of James and John (possibly Salome, Jesus' aunt) approaches Jesus with a bold request: that her sons be granted the highest positions in His kingdom, sitting at His right and left hand (Matthew 20:20-21). Mark's account clarifies that James and John themselves initiated this request (Mark 10:35-45).
This request reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom. The disciples still harbored worldly ambitions, seeking positions of power and prestige. Jesus challenges them, asking if they are willing to "drink the cup" that He is about to drink (Matthew 20:22). This "cup" symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice that awaits Him.
While Jesus acknowledges that they will indeed share in His suffering—James would be martyred (Acts 12:1-2), and John would experience exile (Revelation 1:9)—He clarifies that the allocation of positions of honor in the kingdom rests solely with the Father (Matthew 20:23).
The other disciples, upon hearing this exchange, become indignant (Matthew 20:24). Perhaps they were upset that they didn’t come up with the same idea first! Jesus seizes this opportunity to teach them a crucial lesson about leadership in His kingdom.
He contrasts the way Gentiles exercise authority, "lording it over them" (Matthew 20:25), with the servant-hearted leadership required of His followers. "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant," Jesus declares (Matthew 20:26). True greatness in God's kingdom is found not in dominating others but in serving them.
Jesus Himself embodies this principle: "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. This is a radical inversion of worldly values. God exalted Jesus and gave him the name above all names, but Jesus attained this greatness by humbling himself as a servant and suffering unto death to save others (see Philippians 2:5-11).
This passage challenges us to examine our own motives and ambitions. It’s not wrong to desire greatness, but it is wrong to pursue it through worldly means. Dream big, and ask God how you can use your skills and talents to make the biggest possible kingdom impact.
The Healing of the Blind Men: Faith and Persistence (Matthew 20:29-34)
As Jesus leaves Jericho, He encounters two blind men sitting by the roadside. They cry out to Him, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" (Matthew 20:30). The crowd attempts to silence them, but they persist in their plea (Matthew 20:31).
Jesus, hearing their cries, stops and asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Matthew 20:32). They respond, "Lord, we want our sight" (Matthew 20:33). Moved with compassion, Jesus touches their eyes, and immediately they receive their sight and follow Him (Matthew 20:34).
This encounter highlights the power of persistent faith. The blind men, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah ("Son of David"), refuse to be silenced. They understood that with Jesus' messianic authority came the supernatural right to heal. Their unwavering belief and persistent cries lead to their healing and subsequent discipleship.
This story encourages us to persevere in our pursuit of God, even when faced with obstacles and opposition. Don’t let others keep you from crying out to the Lord either. Pursue him until you hear a word from him, in spite of voices that try to keep you quiet. And when he comes through, follow him in even deeper faith and greater service.
Matthew 20 is a powerful reminder that God's kingdom operates on principles that often contradict worldly values. It calls us to embrace a life of service, to trust in God's grace, and to persevere in our faith, knowing that true greatness is found in humility and selfless love.
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.
And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
And said unto them; 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 ninth hour, and did likewise.
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?
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.
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.
And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
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.
But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
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,
And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
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.
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.
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.
And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
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.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him 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.
And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
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.
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.
And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Matthew 20, a pivotal chapter in Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, unveils profound truths about God's kingdom. It challenges our worldly understanding of reward, ambition, and greatness, offering a perspective that is both humbling and liberating. As Jesus prepares His disciples for the ultimate sacrifice, He imparts lessons that resonate with us today, urging us to embrace a life of service and unwavering faith. This chapter, rich in parables, predictions, and powerful encounters, serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of God's grace and our role in His kingdom. The keywords Matthew 20 will help you better understand the bible.
The Parable of the Laborers: Grace and Fairness (Matthew 20:1-16)
Jesus begins with a compelling parable, a vivid illustration of His earlier statement that "the last will be first, and the first last" (Matthew 19:30). A landowner hires laborers throughout the day, promising a denarius—a standard day's wage—to those hired early in the morning (Matthew 20:1-2). As the day progresses, he hires more workers, promising to pay them "whatever is right" (Matthew 20:3-7). At the end of the day, all the laborers, regardless of when they started, receive a full denarius (Matthew 20:8-9).
Understandably, those hired first grumble, feeling they deserve more (Matthew 20:10-12). The landowner, however, reminds them that he fulfilled his agreement (Matthew 20:13-15). He emphasizes his right to be generous with his own resources. Jesus concludes by reiterating, "So the last will be first, and the first last" (Matthew 20:16).
This parable isn't about fair labor practices in a worldly sense. Instead, it reveals the nature of God's grace. God is both fair and generous. The denarius represents eternal life, freely offered to all who believe, regardless of when they come to faith. It challenges the human tendency to compare ourselves to others and to resent God's blessings on them. Just as the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son struggled with his father's generosity towards his wayward sibling (Luke 15:25-32), we too must guard against envy and embrace God's boundless compassion. The Jews expected better treatment from God because of their background as God’s people, but God's compassion extends to the Gentiles as well.
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection (Matthew 20:17-19)
For the third time, Jesus explicitly foretells His impending suffering, death, and resurrection to His disciples (Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:18-19). He details how He will be betrayed, condemned by the religious leaders, handed over to the Gentiles, mocked, flogged, and crucified. Yet, He also promises that He will rise again on the third day.
This repeated prediction underscores the central importance of the crucifixion and resurrection to Jesus' mission. It was the reason He had come. It was the basis for their future ministry and message. This truth would later become the cornerstone of the gospel message, as Paul articulated in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
The Request of James and John: Ambition and Service (Matthew 20:20-28)
The mother of James and John (possibly Salome, Jesus' aunt) approaches Jesus with a bold request: that her sons be granted the highest positions in His kingdom, sitting at His right and left hand (Matthew 20:20-21). Mark's account clarifies that James and John themselves initiated this request (Mark 10:35-45).
This request reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom. The disciples still harbored worldly ambitions, seeking positions of power and prestige. Jesus challenges them, asking if they are willing to "drink the cup" that He is about to drink (Matthew 20:22). This "cup" symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice that awaits Him.
While Jesus acknowledges that they will indeed share in His suffering—James would be martyred (Acts 12:1-2), and John would experience exile (Revelation 1:9)—He clarifies that the allocation of positions of honor in the kingdom rests solely with the Father (Matthew 20:23).
The other disciples, upon hearing this exchange, become indignant (Matthew 20:24). Perhaps they were upset that they didn’t come up with the same idea first! Jesus seizes this opportunity to teach them a crucial lesson about leadership in His kingdom.
He contrasts the way Gentiles exercise authority, "lording it over them" (Matthew 20:25), with the servant-hearted leadership required of His followers. "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant," Jesus declares (Matthew 20:26). True greatness in God's kingdom is found not in dominating others but in serving them.
Jesus Himself embodies this principle: "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. This is a radical inversion of worldly values. God exalted Jesus and gave him the name above all names, but Jesus attained this greatness by humbling himself as a servant and suffering unto death to save others (see Philippians 2:5-11).
This passage challenges us to examine our own motives and ambitions. It’s not wrong to desire greatness, but it is wrong to pursue it through worldly means. Dream big, and ask God how you can use your skills and talents to make the biggest possible kingdom impact.
The Healing of the Blind Men: Faith and Persistence (Matthew 20:29-34)
As Jesus leaves Jericho, He encounters two blind men sitting by the roadside. They cry out to Him, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" (Matthew 20:30). The crowd attempts to silence them, but they persist in their plea (Matthew 20:31).
Jesus, hearing their cries, stops and asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Matthew 20:32). They respond, "Lord, we want our sight" (Matthew 20:33). Moved with compassion, Jesus touches their eyes, and immediately they receive their sight and follow Him (Matthew 20:34).
This encounter highlights the power of persistent faith. The blind men, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah ("Son of David"), refuse to be silenced. They understood that with Jesus' messianic authority came the supernatural right to heal. Their unwavering belief and persistent cries lead to their healing and subsequent discipleship.
This story encourages us to persevere in our pursuit of God, even when faced with obstacles and opposition. Don’t let others keep you from crying out to the Lord either. Pursue him until you hear a word from him, in spite of voices that try to keep you quiet. And when he comes through, follow him in even deeper faith and greater service.
Matthew 20 is a powerful reminder that God's kingdom operates on principles that often contradict worldly values. It calls us to embrace a life of service, to trust in God's grace, and to persevere in our faith, knowing that true greatness is found in humility and selfless love.