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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 20:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 20:28 is a foundational verse in Christian theology as it summarizes Jesus’ mission and the purpose of his sacrificial death.

The "Son of man" is a title Jesus often used for himself, echoing a messianic figure in the Book of Daniel.

When Jesus says He came not to be served ("ministered unto"), but to serve ("minister"), He is stating that His purpose is not to attain power or receive service as earthly kings do, but to be a servant to others.

The latter part of the verse, where He speaks of giving His life "a ransom for many," introduces the concept that Jesus’ death was a substitutionary sacrifice.

It means He gave His life to free others from the bondage of sin and its consequences.

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Historical Context

Matthew 20:28 is situated in the context of Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem, where He would be crucified.

At this time, Jesus was teaching His disciples about the nature of His kingdom, which contradicts the power structures and values of the world.

The disciples were embroiled in a debate over who would be greatest in Jesus' kingdom, showing that they still misunderstood the nature of His mission and leadership.

Jesus contrasts the secular idea of rulership with His form of servant leadership.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, this verse is often cited to demonstrate Jesus’ atonement for sin, the idea that His death paid the price for the sins of humanity. Different theological interpretations include:

Penal Substitution: Jesus suffers the penalty (punishment) for sin, in place of sinners.
Christus Victor: Jesus' death defeats the powers of sin and death.
Moral Influence: Jesus' sacrifice serves as an example to bring people to a moral awakening.

Different denominations and theological traditions emphasize various aspects of this atonement.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Matthew 20:28 is significant for Christian living:

Emulating Servant Leadership: Christians are called to serve others selflessly, following Jesus' example.
Sacrificial Living: Believers are encouraged to put others' needs above their own and sacrifice personal comfort for the benefit of others.
Understanding Salvation: Christians are reminded of the cost of their redemption and encouraged to live in a way that honors that sacrifice.

Cross-References

Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
John 13:14 - "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet."
Philippians 2:5-7 - "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, some key words and phrases are important to understand:

"ministered" (Greek: diakonēthēnai) - to be served or waited upon.
"to minister" (Greek: diakonēsai) - to serve or attend to.
"ransom" (Greek: lytron) - a price paid for redemption or release, often used in the context of freeing slaves.
"many" (Greek: pollōn) - in this context, it implies a large, unspecified number of people, suggesting a collective redemption.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In cultural and religious comparisons, we find similar motifs in various myths and religions where a god or hero undergoes death or sacrifice for the benefit of others:

In Greek mythology, figures like Prometheus endure suffering for the benefit of mankind.
In Hinduism, the concept of avataras where a deity incarnates into the world for a divine purpose can be loosely compared.
However, the Christian notion of atonement in Matthew 20:28 is unique in its claim of universal efficacy for those who believe in Jesus' mission and sacrifice.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings since it addresses spiritual and theological themes rather than empirical ones.

However, the idea of altruism seen in servant leadership may be observed across human societies and can be studied within the fields of psychology and evolutionary biology.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries offer insights into Matthew 20:28:

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary emphasizes Jesus' elevation of service over dominion.
The Matthew Henry Commentary outlines the voluntary nature of Christ's sacrifice.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges highlights the contrast between Christian leaders and rulers of the Gentiles.

Matthew 20

Matthew 20

What does Matthew 20:28 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 20:28 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?