The disciples rightly anticipated the establishment of God’s kingdom and hoped for places within it, to reign with Christ v.20-21.Matthew 20:20-21XWaiting for response However, the purpose of God required that Jesus first suffer, and so he warned them of this v.18-19.Matthew 20:18-19XWaiting for response The disciples had great difficulty taking in this information and continued to concentrate on the glories of the Kingdom. Jesus, therefore, impressed upon them that only those who humble themselves will be exalted v.25-28.Matthew 20:25-28XWaiting for response Jesus is the supreme example: “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” v.28.Matthew 20:28XWaiting for response
Verses 1-16
Matthew 20:1-16XWaiting for responseAt the end of the last chapter Jesus spoke of the exaltation of the lowliest of men to the highest rulership under Christ in the Kingdom of God, while the highest rulers of the earth will be abased. This principle is enunciated in the last verse: “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first”, Matthew 19:30Matthew 19:30XWaiting for response and is repeated in this chapter sandwiching a parable Jesus told to illustrate it v.16.Matthew 20:16XWaiting for response The Jews had their own views as to superiority and, in particular, exalted themselves above the Gentiles. While it is true that God chose the Jews first, their rejection of his word led him to offer the great reward to the Gentiles. The Jews’ reaction was to murmur and complain v.11,Matthew 20:11XWaiting for response but the reward is the LORD’s and he may give it to whomsoever he wills: “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?” v.15.Matthew 20:15XWaiting for response This is a good lesson for us to not be envious as we prepare our minds for the kingdom - there will be those who have worked less and receive the same reward.