[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 20
Bible Verses:
“Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:15-16)
“Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” (Matthew 20:23)
“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)
THE PARABLE OF THE WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD (vs. 1-16)
The workers have a contract with the landowner to work in his vineyard for a denarius. The other workers trusted the landowner for whatever price he was going to pay them. When the landowner paid them the same amount, the early workers grumbled about unfairness. But the landowner said: “Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go, I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” (vs. 13-15)
This parable is a continuation of what Jesus said in previous chapter. But many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first because Peter asked him what they will get when he had left everything to follow him.
Christ taught him that God has the right to do what he pleases with his servants. He must not compare himself to other God’s servants.
JESUS AGAIN PREDICTS HIS DEATH (vs. 17-19)
Jesus told His disciples that he will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. He will be mocked, flogged and crucified on the cross. However, he will raise to life on the third day.
A MOTHER’S REQUEST (vs. 20-28)
The mother of James and John had a request for Jesus to grant his two sons to sit at the right and the other at his left in His kingdom. Jesus asked them: “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” (v. 22). They answer in affirmative without knowing the meaning of “cup”. The “cup” pointed to His suffering and death on the calvary. Jesus told them that they would indeed taste His cup. James was the first disciple being martyred (Acts 12) and John was being exiled on the Isle of Patmos (Rev. 1).
When the other ten disciples heard about this request, they were indignant. But Jesus taught them the lesson of humility. He said that he came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (v. 27). Therefore, if they want to become first and great, they must become a slave.
THE BLIND MEN RECEIVE SIGHT (vs. 29-34)
There were two blind men who cried out to Jesus to open their eyes. The crowd rebuked them and told them to keep quiet but they shouted the louder. Jesus showed them mercy by touching their eyes. Immediately, they received their sight.
APPLICATION:
- Watch for your motive in serving the Lord. We should serve Christ out of love and loyalty and not for rewards. When we do the right work with the wrong motive, it dishonors God and robs us of the blessings. Let us do everything for the glory of God.
- Christian leaders must not exercise lordship but to humbly shepherd the flock.
- The miracle of the two blind man is a picture of salvation. The two men were blind. Every lost sinner is blind. But when they called out to Jesus, Jesus healed them. Although people tried to stop them, they never give up. Today, people tried to keep sinners from coming to Christ. If people try to discourage you, do you persist to claim His promise?
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