Matthew - Chapter 20

Matthew 20.1 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. Matthew 20.2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. Matthew 20.3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, Matthew 20.4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Matthew 20.5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. Matthew 20.6 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? Matthew 20.7 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. Matthew 20.8 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. Matthew 20.9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. Matthew 20.10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. Matthew 20.11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Matthew 20.12 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. Matthew 20.13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Matthew 20.14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Matthew 20.15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? Matthew 20.16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20.17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Matthew 20.18 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, Matthew 20.19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again. Matthew 20.20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. Matthew 20.21 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. Matthew 20.22 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. Matthew 20.23 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. Matthew 20.24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. Matthew 20.25 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. Matthew 20.26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; Matthew 20.27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Matthew 20.28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20.29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. Matthew 20.30 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. Matthew 20.31 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. Matthew 20.32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? Matthew 20.33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. Matthew 20.34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Matthew : Chapter 20

Reflection on Matthew Chapter 20 Chapter 20 of the Gospel of Matthew challenges our notions of justice and greatness. How does God view each person's worth and position? The parable of the workers in the vineyard illustrates God's surprising grace, showing that his love and generosity do not depend on our efforts. Jesus, by predicting his death and resurrection for the third time, responds to the ambitious request of the mother of James and John, teaching the importance of service and humility. This chapter ends with the healing of two blind men, an act that demonstrates Jesus' immeasurable compassion. We invite you to reflect with us on five biblical passages that shed light on the paradoxical principles of this provocative chapter.

1. Philippians 2:6-7

"Who, though he was God in divine form, did not consider equality with God something to be held in his own hands. But emptied himself and became a servant, being born in the likeness of men." This passage reflects the principle of servant leadership taught by Jesus in Matthew 20:26-28.

2. Luke 13:30

"For there are those who are last who will be first, and there are those who are first who will be last." This parallel verse echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20:16, in the context of the parable of the workers in the vineyard.

3. Isaiah 53:10-11

"Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and make him suffer, and although the Lord made his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After the sufferings of his soul, he will see the light and be satisfied; by his knowledge, my righteous servant will justify many and bear their iniquity." This Old Testament prophecy relates to Jesus' prediction of his death and resurrection in Matthew 20:17-19.

4. Mark 10:37

"They said to him, 'In your glory, allow us to sit, one at your right hand and the other at your left.'" This parallel verse provides more details on the request of the mother of Zebedee's sons in Matthew 20:20-23.

5. Luke 18:43

"Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God. When all the people saw it, they glorified God." This parallel passage complements the account of the healing of the blind in Matthew 20:29-34, showing the response of praise to Jesus' grace.

Meditating on these verses, we are invited to embrace the values ​​of the kingdom of God, where the last is often first, and true power lies in serving others.