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Matthew 20

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.

And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

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?

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.

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.

And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

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.

But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,

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,

And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

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.

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.

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.

And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

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.

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

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.

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.

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

What does Matthew 20:18 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:18 is a part of the discourse in which Jesus foretells his fate to his disciples.

The verse captures the moment when Jesus prophesizes his betrayal, trial, and subsequent death.

It is a declaration of events that are yet to happen, which reflects Jesus's foreknowledge of his own destiny as the 'Son of Man' – a title that signifies his role as Messiah and Savior within Christian theology.

This verse demonstrates his awareness of the suffering he is to endure and the plan of salvation for humanity through his sacrifice.

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Historical Context

This verse is placed in the Synoptic Gospel of Matthew, which was written between 70 and 90 AD.

The Gospel primarily addresses a Jewish-Christian audience and is keen on showing how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies.

It occurs during Jesus's final journey to Jerusalem, a significant city for the Jewish people, as the center of religious life and the location of the Temple.

This prediction occurs in the context of the impending Passover, which was a Jewish festival celebrating liberation, making the forthcoming events deeply ironic and symbolic.

Theological Insights

In this verse, different theological themes converge: the Messiah as a suffering servant, the notion of predestination, and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The role of the Son of Man who must suffer and die before entering into his glory is a paradoxical concept that challenges contemporary Messianic expectations of a triumphant political liberator.

Additionally, there is the idea of divine necessity; that the betrayal and death of the Son of Man are essential within God's redemptive plan.

From a theological point of view, this verse sets the stage for the passion narrative and the salvation of mankind through Jesus's atonement on the cross.

Practical Applications

Looking at practical applications, this verse calls on modern believers to acknowledge and prepare for trials and challenges in their lives. It serves as a reminder that understanding and accepting one's path, including its sacrifices, is a part of faith.

Furthermore, it invites believers to reflect on the nature of betrayal, suffering, and the commitment to a purpose greater than oneself. It also prompts contemplation on how they might participate in the story of redemption in their actions towards others and their pursuit of justice and mercy.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:2: "Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified."
Mark 10:33: "Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:"
Luke 18:31-33: "Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words hold significant meaning:

"Behold" (ἰδού, idou): A demonstrative particle urging one to pay attention to what follows; it often introduces something of importance.
"Betrayed" (παραδίδοται, paradidotai): The Greek tense used here is passive, indicating the action is done to him, reflecting a lack of agency in his betrayal.
"The Son of man" (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ho huios tou anthropou): A term that reflects a multifaceted identity that includes humanity, servitude, and exaltation, deeply rooted in the book of Daniel 7:13-14 and often used by Jesus to refer to himself.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Jesus's role as a suffering savior can be compared to certain motifs in ancient myths. For example, the Greek myth of Prometheus includes the hero enduring suffering for the benefit of humanity.

However, Jesus's suffering leads to a spiritual deliverance rather than mere knowledge or technology.

In other religious interpretations, such as in Judaism, the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 may be interpreted as the people of Israel collectively, contrasting with Christianity's interpretation of the servant as the individual, Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

When analyzing the Bible from a scientific perspective, one must navigate the domain of faith and empirical evidence.

Prediction or prophecy, like that found in Matthew 20:18, is not within the scope of scientific validation; science can neither confirm nor refute the divine foreknowledge suggested by the verse.

Historical and archaeological science may examine the context and plausibility of events described but offer no judgment on the theological implications.

commentaries

Various biblical commentaries often view Matthew 20:18 as a crucial affirmation of Jesus's identity as the omniscient Son of God who willingly walks towards his ordained suffering and death.

Scholars such as William Barclay highlight the unquestioning obedience of Jesus to God's will. The Expositor's Bible Commentary points to the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through the events that Jesus predicts.

Additionally, Matthew Henry's Commentary discusses the patience and humility that Jesus exemplifies by foretelling his experiences, setting a template for Christian conduct in the face of adversity.

Matthew 20

Matthew 20

What does Matthew 20:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 20:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?