Matthew 20
Matthew 20 is divided into three main parts. First, in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (verses 1–16), we see the principles of grace and the kingdom of God. Second, Jesus announces his death and resurrection for the third time (verses 17–19). Third, when the mother of the sons of Zebedee makes a request for her two sons, Jesus teaches what true service means (verses 20–28). Finally, we see a healing event in which two blind men are healed (verses 29–34). The overall flow focuses on God’s grace, service, and the Lord’s power.
1verse“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
2verseWhen he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3verseHe went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace.
4verseHe said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went their way.
5verseAgain he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.
6verseAbout the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day idle?’
7verse“They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ “He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right.’
8verse“When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.’
9verse“When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius.
10verseWhen the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius.
11verseWhen they received it, they murmured against the master of the household,
12versesaying, ‘These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!’
13verse“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius?
14verseTake that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you.
15verseIsn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’
16verseSo the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
17verseAs Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
18verse“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death,
19verseand will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”
20verseThen the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him.
21verseHe said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand and one on your left hand, in your Kingdom.”
22verseBut Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to him, “We are able.”
23verseHe said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give, but it is for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
24verseWhen the ten heard it, they were indignant with the two brothers.
25verseBut Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
26verseIt shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
27verseWhoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant,
28verseeven as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
29verseAs they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
30verseBehold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!”
31verseThe multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!”
32verseJesus stood still and called them, and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”
33verseThey told him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”
34verseJesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed him.
The Meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard shows a contrast between the values of the kingdom of God and human ways of thinking. The laborers who received the same wages regardless of how long they worked remind us that God’s grace is not given based on our deeds or qualifications. In particular, the key point of this parable is the saying, "The last will be first, and the first will be last." Through this parable, we can reflect again on the greatness of God’s mercy and grace.
Jesus’ Prediction of His Suffering and the Path of Service
Jesus reveals to his disciples, for the third time, the suffering and death he will face. This shows that the way of salvation is not easy, and that Jesus’ mission differs from the way we think in terms of our expectations. Also, through the dispute over seats among the disciples (the request made by the mother of the sons of Zebedee), Jesus says that true greatness comes from serving others. The words, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many," summarize the essence of Jesus’ ministry.
The Meaning of the Healing of the Blind Men
The two blind men who came to Jesus by the roadside are healed through their faith. Although they were socially marginalized, they experience Jesus’ compassion and his response. This scene communicates that Jesus reaches out to everyone and does not turn away those who come in faith.
Points for Reflection
- What differences are there between my perspective and God’s perspective?
- How am I experiencing God’s grace in the kingdom of God?
- How can I practice an attitude of service and sacrifice in daily life?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Reflect on whether there is any complaining heart in me, even after receiving grace.
- Try to live a life of serving first in the community, family, or workplace where you belong.
- May your day be one in which you trust the Lord’s mercy and come to the Lord in faith.
