Tyndale Open Study NotesMatthew 20

Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1; 20:29; 21:1). This was another chance to teach the disciples what it means to be his disciples.

This parable is like the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11–32). In both, God shows grace to two groups, but one complains about unfair treatment.

Workers received their pay at the end of the day (Deuteronomy 24:14–15).

See Matthew 5:19 and Matthew 8:11–12.

This mother's question seems to have come from her sons, as Jesus answered the sons instead of the mother (compare Mark 10:35–37).

Each time Jesus predicted his suffering in the Gospel of Matthew, he also gave teaching about what it means to be his disciple. These teachings showed that discipleship is shaped by Jesus own path of service and sacrifice (see Matthew 16:24–28; 17:24–18:5). This teaching called the Messiah's disciples to imitate his service and sacrifice.

Jesus had already promised positions of authority in God’s kingdom to the disciples (Matthew 19:28). The request of the two brothers came from selfish desire to be important, without concern for the suffering the Messiah would soon face (see Matthew 23:6; Luke 14:7–11).

The cup refers to the duty duty, calling, and destiny of Jesus (see Matthew 26:39; John 18:11; also Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17, 22; Revelation 16:19).

You will indeed: James eventually died for his faith (Acts 12:2). John suffered severe persecution (Acts 4:3; 5:40; Revelation 1:9).

The ten … they were indignant: This shows that selfish ambition was not only in James and John. The other disciples also struggled with it (see also Matthew 21:15; 26:8; Luke 13:14).

Rulers who do not know God often desire power and control. But those who follow the Son of Man should not act this way (Matthew 18:1–5; 19:13–15; 23:1–12).

Often the word slave is a metaphor that describes a disciple's submissive relationship to their master (Matthew 8:9; 10:24–25; 24:45–51; 25:14–30). The disciples of Jesus serve others, following his example (for example, John 13:1–17).

• The phrase the Son of Man … come: This expression suggests that Jesus already existed before his birth on earth. It points back to Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man coming from heaven to receive authority and glory (see Daniel 7:13–14).

• as a ransom for many: Jesus said he would freely give his life as a payment to rescue many people. His death brought freedom from the power and penalty of sin (see Matthew 26:26–29; Isaiah 53:10–12; Romans 3:24). In this way, he bought them out of slavery to sin (see Galatians 5:1).

The blind men’s expression of faith in the Son of David was an acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah (see Matthew 21:9; 22:42; 2 Samuel 7:12–16).