19:1–20:19
Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1; 20:29; 21:1). This was another chance to teach the disciples what it means to be his disciples.
Study notes
Matthew 20
20:1–16
This parable is like the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11–32). In both, God shows grace to two groups, but one complains about unfair treatment.
20:1–16 Section
In Jesus’ time, workers would stand in the marketplace. They would stand with their tools and wait to be hired for the day. Even when there wasn’t enough work, the workers would keep waiting and hoping. They needed to earn money to buy food for that day.
Jesus told a story about this to teach his disciples about God’s grace. God is like the owner who paid each worker enough for that day’s needs. Those who had been hired early were jealous and angry. They were unhappy that those hired last received the same pay as they did. But the owner wanted to be generous with all the workers.
This is like God welcoming everyone who comes to him into his kingdom. They are all considered a full and equal part of God’s new family. They all depend on the King and Ruler who gives so freely.
20:8
Workers received their pay at the end of the day (Deuteronomy 24:14–15).
20:16
See Matthew 5:19 and Matthew 8:11–12.
20:17–34 Section
On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus worked hard to change how the disciples thought.
He made it clear that he was a leader who served others. He told them again that he would suffer and die. And then he would be raised from the dead.
The disciples still thought that God’s kingdom would be like human governments. Jesus invited them to share in a different kind of power. He wanted them to understand what honour and authority really mean in God’s kingdom.
True authority and honour aren’t based on the power to rule over others. They aren’t based on being more important than others. In God’s kingdom, power and authority are based on serving others.
Jesus then showed his disciples what it meant to serve others. He had deep concern for two blind men and healed them. True power and authority come only from following Jesus the Servant.
20:20–21
This mother's question seems to have come from her sons, as Jesus answered the sons instead of the mother (compare Mark 10:35–37).
20:20–28
Each time Jesus predicted his suffering in the Gospel of Matthew, he also gave teaching about what it means to be his disciple. These teachings showed that discipleship is shaped by Jesus own path of service and sacrifice (see Matthew 16:24–28; 17:24–18:5). This teaching called the Messiah's disciples to imitate his service and sacrifice.
20:21
Jesus had already promised positions of authority in God’s kingdom to the disciples (Matthew 19:28). The request of the two brothers came from selfish desire to be important, without concern for the suffering the Messiah would soon face (see Matthew 23:6; Luke 14:7–11).
20:22
The cup refers to the duty duty, calling, and destiny of Jesus (see Matthew 26:39; John 18:11; also Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17, 22; Revelation 16:19).
20:23
You will indeed: James eventually died for his faith (Acts 12:2). John suffered severe persecution (Acts 4:3; 5:40; Revelation 1:9).
20:24
The ten … they were indignant: This shows that selfish ambition was not only in James and John. The other disciples also struggled with it (see also Matthew 21:15; 26:8; Luke 13:14).
20:25–28
Rulers who do not know God often desire power and control. But those who follow the Son of Man should not act this way (Matthew 18:1–5; 19:13–15; 23:1–12).
20:27
Often the word slave is a metaphor that describes a disciple's submissive relationship to their master (Matthew 8:9; 10:24–25; 24:45–51; 25:14–30). The disciples of Jesus serve others, following his example (for example, John 13:1–17).
20:28
The phrase the Son of Man … come: This expression suggests that Jesus already existed before his birth on earth. It points back to Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man coming from heaven to receive authority and glory (see Daniel 7:13–14).
as a ransom for many: Jesus said he would freely give his life as a payment to rescue many people. His death brought freedom from the power and penalty of sin (see Matthew 26:26–29; Isaiah 53:10–12; Romans 3:24). In this way, he bought them out of slavery to sin (see Galatians 5:1).
20:29–34
The blind men’s expression of faith in the Son of David was an acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah (see Matthew 21:9; 22:42; 2 Samuel 7:12–16).
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources