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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 20:22 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:22 recounts a conversation between Jesus and the mother of James and John, two of his disciples.

She has asked Jesus if her sons can sit at his right and left in his kingdom, indicating positions of honor and power.

In response, Jesus addresses the two men, signaling that it is they who must understand the cost of such prominence.

He speaks of "drinking the cup" he is to drink and being "baptized with the baptism" he is to undergo, which are metaphors for enduring suffering, rejection, and ultimately, crucifixion.

Jesus is telling them that the path to glory in his kingdom is not one of earthly power but of suffering and sacrifice.

The brothers, perhaps not fully grasping the full import of Jesus' words, confidently declare that they are able.

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Historical Context

This exchange between Jesus and the sons of Zebedee takes place within the context of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where he knows he will be killed.

In the culture of the time, being seated at the right and left hand of a king was traditionally seen as a place of high status and authority, identifying the closest and most influential associates of the king.

The disciples' misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' mission and kingdom is a reflection of common messianic expectations of the time, which anticipated a triumphant, political Messiah rather than a suffering servant.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse addresses themes such as the nature of Jesus’ kingdom, discipleship, and suffering.

Many Christians see this as an illustration of the distinction between worldly understandings of power and the sacrificial service that characterizes the Kingdom of God.

Some interpret "drinking the cup" and baptism as sacramental references, pointing to Communion and Baptism, which are key Christian practices symbolizing union with Christ's death and resurrection.

Others view it as a call to a discipleship that involves sacrifice and participation in Jesus’ suffering and mission.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Matthew 20:22 challenges individuals to consider the cost of following Jesus. It implies that true greatness in the kingdom of God is not about securing positions of power, but about service and readiness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel.

Christians are encouraged to embrace self-sacrifice, humility, and to reevaluate their aspirations and ideas of success according to the teachings of Jesus.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:39: "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
Mark 10:38-39: "But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can.

And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:"

Luke 22:42: "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."

Language Study

Key words to consider in this verse are:

"Cup" (Greek: "potērion"): In biblical times, this often represented one's fate or the will of God, especially in the sense of a portion of suffering.
"Baptized" (Greek: "baptizō"): Originally meaning to dip or immerse, in this context, it signifies being overwhelmed or fully identified with, often pointing to Jesus' impending death and the disciples' share in suffering for their faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the broader context of ancient myths and religious interpretations, the theme of suffering prior to exaltation is not uncommon.

Similar narratives of a hero's trial before glory can be found in various cultures.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a cup of fate is comparable to the potions of destiny often seen in mythology.

However, the Christian interpretation uniquely centers on voluntary suffering as a path to true greatness.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, the psychological and physiological effects of stress and suffering as implied in the metaphor of drinking a cup of suffering warrant scientific examination.

Stress responses, resilience, and the human capacity for endurance can be topics of interest in seeking to understand the experience Jesus is describing.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide varied insights into Matthew 20:22.

For example, William Barclay notes the contrast between the ambition of the disciples and Jesus' call for service and sacrifice.

D.A.

Carson discusses the concept of "drinking the cup" as being firmly rooted in Old Testament imagery of the wrath of God and redemptive suffering.

John Calvin emphasizes the sincerity yet ignorance of the disciples' confident response, pointing to the necessary growth in understanding the implications of following Jesus.

Matthew 20

Matthew 20

What does Matthew 20:22 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 20:22 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?