Matthew | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

MATTHEW 20

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT GOD’S KINGDOM + GIVES SIGHT TO THE BLIND

Jesus shares a story of a man who hires laborers for his vineyard. The first group of workers arrives early in the morning to begin tending the fields. About three hours later, he finds more laborers and sends them out to work alongside the others. He does this again six hours and nine hours into the day. In the eleventh hour, he found more laborers and sent them into the vineyard. An hour later, when the day had come to an end, the man paid all of the laborers the same amount, although some had been there for one hour and some had been there for twelve. Those who had been there longer grumbled and complained, frustrated with the generosity of the vineyard owner.

Jesus tells this parable to highlight the abundant nature of God. Everyone who follows Him will receive eternal life, regardless of their age or what they have accomplished. This story also emphasizes the grace of God and mercy He shows to His people, even when it appears unfair or backwards by worldly standards.

With the twelve disciples, Jesus explains that He will soon be arrested, mocked, spit upon, flogged, and killed. All of these events will fulfill the teachings of the prophets, but the disciples did not understand what Jesus was explaining.

The mother of James and John asks Jesus to grant her request. She desires for James and John to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in eternity. Jesus explains that those roles are not His to give, but they belong to God the Father. Jesus expresses His value for humility and reminds the disciples that even the Son of Man, Jesus Himself, came to serve rather than be served and give His life as a ransom for many.

As Jesus travels near Jericho, two blind men are begging on the side of the road. Upon hearing that Jesus was nearby, the men cry out for help. Despite being rebuked by the people, the men continue to call for Jesus. Jesus asks them what they desire and restores to them their sight.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Does the story of the laborors in the vineyard feel unfair? Why or why not?

Read Matthew 20:28. How does this verse descibe Jesus’ humility?