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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 20:23 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 20:23 comes as the conclusion to a dialogue between Jesus and the mother of the sons of Zebedee, who asks that her two sons may sit at Christ's right and left in His kingdom. Jesus responds by emphasizing the sacrificial nature of discipleship and leadership in the kingdom of God.

In this verse, "drinking the cup" metaphorically refers to sharing in Jesus's suffering and destiny, including His crucifixion.

This is a call to discipleship that involves hardship and sacrifice.

The mention of baptism relates not to the ritual of water baptism but symbolizes being overwhelmed by the trials and sufferings that Jesus Himself would face.

The latter part of the verse emphasizes that positions of honor in God's kingdom are not Jesus's to grant; they are predetermined by the Father. This statement indicates the divinely established roles and rewards that come not by personal ambition but by God's sovereign will.

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Historical Context

This conversation between Jesus and the mother of James and John is placed within the timeframe of Jesus's ministry, on the road to Jerusalem where He would be crucified.

During this era, Jewish society was highly anticipative of the Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom.

There may have been a common expectation among His followers that Jesus, as the Messiah, would take a kingly role and allot privileges and high positions to His loyal followers.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer various insights into this verse:

Traditional Christian Perspective: This view emphasizes the idea of servanthood over status, highlighting that the highest place in God's kingdom is reserved for those who have served and suffered the most faithfully.
Predestination: The verse could be viewed through the lens of predestination, where God has already decided who will receive certain honors, aligning with Calvinist thoughts.
Eschatological Interpretation: Some may interpret this to mean that Jesus is speaking about the end times when the kingdom of God is fully realized, and the true nature of rewards in the kingdom becomes apparent.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, the verse teaches that following Jesus may involve encountering trials and suffering.

It is a call to humility, showing that honor in the kingdom of God is not obtained by seeking status but through service and sacrifice. This can be applied in daily life by prioritizing the needs of others and engaging in selfless actions versus seeking personal advancement.

Cross-References

Mark 10:38-40: Similar dialogue where Jesus speaks of drinking the cup and baptism of suffering.
Luke 22:29-30: Jesus speaks about assigning places in His kingdom.
John 18:11: Jesus refers to the cup the Father has given Him, indicating His crucifixion.
Acts 12:2: The actual martyrdom of one of the sons of Zebedee (James) reflecting the baptism of suffering mentioned by Jesus.

Language Study

Cup (ποτήριον - potērion): Often a symbol of destiny, especially in the sense of divine judgement or wrath.
Baptize (βαπτίζω - baptizō): Generally means to immerse or overwhelm, and in this context, it metaphorically signifies being immersed in suffering.
Prepared (ἡτοίμασεν - hētoimasen): Comes from the Greek word meaning to make ready or to prepare, indicating that positions in the kingdom of God are ordained beforehand.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Roman culture, positions at the right and left hand of a ruler signified power and prestige. The request made by the sons of Zebedee’s mother reflects a similar desire for status that was present in many ancient societies.

In contrast, Jesus's teachings subvert these cultural norms, emphasizing spiritual and moral earnesty over social rank.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not have a direct connection to scientific understandings, as it addresses spiritual and theological matters.

However, concepts of altruism and cooperation as understood in evolutionary biology can tangentially relate to the behaviors Jesus promotes, such as service over personal gain.

Commentaries

Contemporary biblical scholars and theologians offer several interpretations of this verse:

John Calvin: Interprets the cup as the afflictions believers must endure, highlighting the misconception of James and John regarding the nature of Christ’s kingdom.
William Barclay: Understands this passage as Jesus's rebuke to the quest for power, suggesting that true greatness lies in service.
D.A. Carson: Views this as an indication of the sovereignty of God and the folly of human pride and ambition in matters pertaining to divine will and preordination.

Matthew 20

Matthew 20

What does Matthew 20:23 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 20:23 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?