EGW WritingsMatthew 20
Ellen G. White
Read Matthew 20 in the BibleMatthew 20:1-16
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 28—The Reward of Grace
COL 390.1
The truth of God’s free grace had been almost lost sight of by the Jews. The rabbis taught that God’s favor must be earned. The reward of the righteous they hoped to gain by their own works. Thus their worship was prompted by a grasping, mercenary spirit. From this spirit even the disciples of Christ were not wholly free, and the Saviour sought every opportunity of showing them their error. Just before He gave the parable of the laborers, an event occurred that opened the way for Him to present the right principles.COL 390.2
As He was walking by the way, a young ruler came running to Him, and kneeling, reverently saluted Him. “Good Master,” he said, “what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”COL 390.3
The ruler had addressed Christ merely as an honored rabbi, not discerning in Him the Son of God. The Saviour said, “Why callest thou Me good? There is none good but one, that is, God.” On what ground do you call Me good? God is the one good. If you recognize Me as such, you must receive Me as His Son and representative.COL 391.1
“If thou wilt enter into life,” He added, “keep the commandments.” The character of God is expressed in His law; and in order for you to be in harmony with God, the principles of His law must be the spring of your every action.COL 391.2
Christ does not lessen the claims of the law. In unmistakable language He presents obedience to it as the condition of eternal life—the same condition that was required of Adam before his fall. The Lord expects no less of the soul now than He expected of man in Paradise, perfect obedience, unblemished righteousness. The requirement under the covenant of grace is just as broad as the requirement made in Eden—harmony with God’s law, which is holy, just, and good.COL 391.3
To the words, “Keep the commandments,” the young man answered, “Which?” He supposed that some ceremonial precept was meant, but Christ was speaking of the law given from Sinai. He mentioned several commandments from the second table of the Decalogue, then summed them all up in the precept, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”COL 391.4
The young man answered without hesitation, “All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet?” His conception of the law was external and superficial. Judged by a human standard, he had preserved an unblemished character. To a great degree his outward life had been free from guilt; he verily thought that his obedience had been without a flaw. Yet he had a secret fear that all was not right between his soul and God. This prompted the question, “What lack I yet?”COL 391.5
“If thou wilt be perfect,” Christ said, “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow Me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.”COL 392.1
The lover of self is a transgressor of the law. This Jesus desired to reveal to the young man, and He gave him a test that would make manifest the selfishness of his heart. He showed him the plague spot in his character. The young man desired no further enlightenment. He had cherished an idol in the soul; the world was his god. He professed to have kept the commandments, but he was destitute of the principle which is the very spirit and life of them all. He did not possess true love for God or man. This want was the want of everything that would qualify him to enter the kingdom of heaven. In his love of self and worldly gain he was out of harmony with the principles of heaven.COL 392.2
When this young ruler came to Jesus, his sincerity and earnestness won the Saviour’s heart. He “beholding him loved him.” In this young man He saw one who might do service as a preacher of righteousness. He would have received this talented and noble youth as readily as He received the poor fishermen who followed Him. Had the young man devoted his ability to the work of saving souls, he might have become a diligent and successful laborer for Christ.COL 393.1
But first he must accept the conditions of discipleship. He must give himself unreservedly to God. At the Saviour’s call, John, Peter, Matthew, and their companions “left all, rose up, and followed Him.” Luke 5:28. The same consecration was required of the young ruler. And in this Christ did not ask a greater sacrifice than He Himself had made. “He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. The young man had only to follow where Christ led the way.COL 393.2
Christ looked upon the young man and longed after his soul. He longed to send him forth as a messenger of blessing to men. In the place of that which He called upon him to surrender, Christ offered him the privilege of companionship with Himself. “Follow Me,” He said. This privilege had been counted a joy by Peter, James, and John. The young man himself looked upon Christ with admiration. His heart was drawn toward the Saviour. But he was not ready to accept the Saviour’s principle of self-sacrifice. He chose his riches before Jesus. He wanted eternal life, but would not receive into the soul that unselfish love which alone is life, and with a sorrowful heart he turned away from Christ.COL 393.3
As the young man turned away, Jesus said to His disciples, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God.” These words astonished the disciples. They had been taught to look upon the rich as the favorites of heaven; worldly power and riches they themselves hoped to receive in the Messiah’s kingdom; if the rich were to fail of entering the kingdom, what hope could there be for the rest of men?COL 394.1
“Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure.” Now they realized that they themselves were included in the solemn warning. In the light of the Saviour’s words, their own secret longing for power and riches was revealed. With misgivings for themselves they exclaimed, “Who then can be saved?”COL 394.2
“Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”COL 394.3
A rich man, as such, cannot enter heaven. His wealth gives him no title to the inheritance of the saints in light. It is only through the unmerited grace of Christ that any man can find entrance into the city of God.COL 394.4
To the rich no less than to the poor are the words of the Holy Spirit spoken, “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. When men believe this, their possessions will be held as a trust, to be used as God shall direct, for the saving of the lost, and the comfort of the suffering and the poor. With man this is impossible, for the heart clings to its earthly treasure. The soul that is bound in service to mammon is deaf to the cry of human need. But with God all things are possible. By beholding the matchless love of Christ, the selfish heart will be melted and subdued. The rich man will be led, as was Saul the Pharisee, to say, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:7, 8. Then they will not count anything their own. They will joy to regard themselves as stewards of the manifold grace of God, and for His sake servants of all men.COL 395.1
Peter was the first to rally from the secret conviction wrought by the Saviour’s words. He thought with satisfaction of what he and his brethren had given up for Christ. “Behold,” he said, “we have forsaken all, and followed Thee.” Remembering the conditional promise to the young ruler, “Thou shalt have treasure in heaven,” he now asked what he and his companions were to receive as a reward for their sacrifices.COL 395.2
The Saviour’s answer thrilled the hearts of those Galilean fishermen. It pictured honors that fulfilled their highest dreams: “Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” And He added, “There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”COL 396.1
But Peter’s question, “What shall we have therefore?” had revealed a spirit that uncorrected would unfit the disciples to be messengers for Christ; for it was the spirit of a hireling. While they had been attracted by the love of Jesus, the disciples were not wholly free from Pharisaism. They still worked with the thought of meriting a reward in proportion to their labor. They cherished a spirit of self-exaltation and self-complacency, and made comparisons among themselves. When one of them failed in any particular, the others indulged feelings of superiority.COL 396.2
Lest the disciples should lose sight of the principles of the gospel, Christ related to them a parable illustrating the manner in which God deals with His servants, and the spirit in which He desires them to labor for Him.COL 396.3
“The kingdom of heaven,” He said, “is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.” It was the custom for men seeking employment to wait in the market places, and thither the employers went to find servants. The man in the parable is represented as going out at different hours to engage workmen. Those who are hired at the earliest hours agree to work for a stated sum; those hired later leave their wages to the discretion of the householder.COL 396.4
“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.”COL 396.5
The householder’s dealing with the workers in his vineyard represents God’s dealing with the human family. It is contrary to the customs that prevail among men. In worldly business, compensation is given according to the work accomplished. The laborer expects to be paid only that which he earns. But in the parable, Christ was illustrating the principles of His kingdom—a kingdom not of this world. He is not controlled by any human standard. The Lord says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.... For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8, 9.COL 397.1
In the parable the first laborers agreed to work for a stipulated sum, and they received the amount specified, nothing more. Those later hired believed the master’s promise, “Whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” They showed their confidence in him by asking no question in regard to wages. They trusted to his justice and equity. They were rewarded, not according to the amount of their labor, but according to the generosity of his purpose.COL 397.2
So God desires us to trust in Him who justifieth the ungodly. His reward is given not according to our merit but according to His own purpose, “which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:11. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5. And for those who trust in Him He will do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20.COL 397.3
Not the amount of labor performed or its visible results but the spirit in which the work is done makes it of value with God. Those who came into the vineyard at the eleventh hour were thankful for an opportunity to work. Their hearts were full of gratitude to the one who had accepted them; and when at the close of the day the householder paid them for a full day’s work, they were greatly surprised. They knew they had not earned such wages. And the kindness expressed in the countenance of their employer filled them with joy. They never forgot the goodness of the householder or the generous compensation they had received. Thus it is with the sinner who, knowing his unworthiness, has entered the Master’s vineyard at the eleventh hour. His time of service seems so short, he feels that he is undeserving of reward; but he is filled with joy that God has accepted him at all. He works with a humble, trusting spirit, thankful for the privilege of being a co-worker with Christ. This spirit God delights to honor.COL 398.1
The Lord desires us to rest in Him without a question as to our measure of reward. When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of reward is not uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our service. It is true that in a subordinate sense we should have respect to the recompense of reward. God desires us to appreciate His promised blessings. But He would not have us eager for rewards nor feel that for every duty we must receive compensation. We should not be so anxious to gain the reward as to do what is right, irrespective of all gain. Love to God and to our fellow men should be our motive.COL 399.1
This parable does not excuse those who hear the first call to labor but who neglect to enter the Lord’s vineyard. When the householder went to the market place at the eleventh hour and found men unemployed he said, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” The answer was, “Because no man hath hired us.” None of those called later in the day were there in the morning. They had not refused the call. Those who refuse and afterward repent, do well to repent; but it is not safe to trifle with the first call of mercy.COL 399.2
When the laborers in the vineyard received “every man a penny,” those who had begun work early in the day were offended. Had they not worked for twelve hours? they reasoned, and was it not right that they should receive more than those who had worked for only one hour in the cooler part of the day? “These last have wrought but one hour,” they said, “and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.”COL 399.3
“Friend,” the householder replied to one of them, “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?COL 399.4
“So the last shall be first, and the first last; for many be called, but few chosen.”COL 399.5
The first laborers of the parable represent those who, because of their services, claim preference above others. They take up their work in a self-gratulatory spirit, and do not bring into it self-denial and sacrifice. They may have professed to serve God all their lives; they may have been foremost in enduring hardship, privation, and trial, and they therefore think themselves entitled to a large reward. They think more of the reward than of the privilege of being servants of Christ. In their view their labors and sacrifices entitle them to receive honor above others, and because this claim is not recognized, they are offended. Did they bring into their work a loving, trusting spirit, they would continue to be first; but their querulous, complaining disposition is un-Christlike, and proves them to be untrustworthy. It reveals their desire for self-advancement, their distrust of God, and their jealous, grudging spirit toward their brethren. The Lord’s goodness and liberality is to them only an occasion of murmuring. Thus they show that there is no connection between their souls and God. They do not know the joy of co-operation with the Master Worker.COL 400.1
There is nothing more offensive to God than this narrow, self-caring spirit. He cannot work with any who manifest these attributes. They are insensible to the working of His Spirit.COL 400.2
The Jews had been first called into the Lord’s vineyard, and because of this they were proud and self-righteous. Their long years of service they regarded as entitling them to receive a larger reward than others. Nothing was more exasperating to them than an intimation that the Gentiles were to be admitted to equal privileges with themselves in the things of God.COL 400.3
Christ warned the disciples who had been first called to follow Him, lest the same evil should be cherished among them. He saw that the weakness, the curse of the church, would be a spirit of self-righteousness. Men would think they could do something toward earning a place in the kingdom of heaven. They would imagine that when they had made certain advancement, the Lord would come in to help them. Thus there would be an abundance of self and little of Jesus. Many who had made a little advancement would be puffed up and think themselves superior to others. They would be eager for flattery, jealous if not thought most important. Against this danger Christ seeks to guard His disciples.COL 401.1
All boasting of merit in ourselves is out of place. “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23, 24.COL 401.2
The reward is not of works, lest any man should boast; but it is all of grace. “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:1-5. Therefore there is no occasion for one to glory over another or to grudge against another. No one is privileged above another, nor can anyone claim the reward as a right.COL 402.1
The first and the last are to be sharers in the great, eternal reward, and the first should gladly welcome the last. He who grudges the reward to another forgets that he himself is saved by grace alone. The parable of the laborers rebukes all jealousy and suspicion. Love rejoices in the truth and institutes no envious comparisons. He who possesses love compares only the loveliness of Christ and his own imperfect character.COL 402.2
This parable is a warning to all laborers, however long their service, however abundant their labors, that without love to their brethren, without humility before God, they are nothing. There is no religion in the enthronement of self. He who makes self-glorification his aim will find himself destitute of that grace which alone can make him efficient in Christ’s service. Whenever pride and self-complacency are indulged, the work is marred.COL 402.3
It is not the length of time we labor but our willingness and fidelity in the work that makes it acceptable to God. In all our service a full surrender of self is demanded. The smallest duty done in sincerity and self-forgetfulness is more pleasing to God than the greatest work when marred with self-seeking. He looks to see how much of the spirit of Christ we cherish, and how much of the likeness of Christ our work reveals. He regards more the love and faithfulness with which we work than the amount we do.COL 402.4
Only when selfishness is dead, when strife for supremacy is banished, when gratitude fills the heart, and love makes fragrant the life—it is only then that Christ is abiding in the soul, and we are recognized as laborers together with God.COL 402.5
However trying their labor, the true workers do not regard it as drudgery. They are ready to spend and to be spent; but it is a cheerful work, done with a glad heart. Joy in God is expressed through Jesus Christ. Their joy is the joy set before Christ—“to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34. They are in co-operation with the Lord of glory. This thought sweetens all toil, it braces the will, it nerves the spirit for whatever may befall. Working with unselfish heart, ennobled by being partakers of Christ’s sufferings, sharing His sympathies, and co-operating with Him in His labor, they help to swell the tide of His joy and bring honor and praise to His exalted name.COL 403.1
This is the spirit of all true service for God. Through a lack of this spirit, many who appear to be first will become last, while those who possess it, though accounted last, will become first.COL 403.2
There are many who have given themselves to Christ, yet who see no opportunity of doing a large work or making great sacrifices in His service. These may find comfort in the thought that it is not necessarily the martyr’s self-surrender which is most acceptable to God; it may not be the missionary who has daily faced danger and death that stands highest in heaven’s records. The Christian who is such in his private life, in the daily surrender of self, in sincerity of purpose and purity of thought, in meekness under provocation, in faith and piety, in fidelity in that which is least, the one who in the home life represents the character of Christ—such a one may in the sight of God be more precious than even the world-renowned missionary or martyr.COL 403.3
Oh, how different are the standards by which God and men measure character. God sees many temptations resisted of which the world and even near friends never know—temptations in the home, in the heart. He sees the soul’s humility in view of its own weakness; the sincere repentance over even a thought that is evil. He sees the wholehearted devotion to His service. He has noted the hours of hard battle with self—battle that won the victory. All this God and angels know. A book of remembrance is written before Him for them that fear the Lord and that think upon His name.COL 404.1
Not in our learning, not in our position, not in our numbers or entrusted talents, not in the will of man, is to be found the secret of success. Feeling our inefficiency we are to contemplate Christ, and through Him who is the strength of all strength, the thought of all thought, the willing and obedient will gain victory after victory.COL 404.2
And however short our service or humble our work, if in simple faith we follow Christ, we shall not be disappointed of the reward. That which even the greatest and wisest cannot earn, the weakest and most humble may receive. Heaven’s golden gate opens not to the self-exalted. It is not lifted up to the proud in spirit. But the everlasting portals will open wide to the trembling touch of a little child. Blessed will be the recompense of grace to those who have wrought for God in the simplicity of faith and love.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
A Parable for Our Study
9T 74.1
“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.” Matthew 20:1-16.From the Heart
The Laborers, April 11
FH 113.1
For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. Matthew 20:1, 2. (Read Matthew 20:1-16.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 87, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 87, 1899, par. 3
“So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard said unto his steward, Call the laborers, 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.” [Matthew 20:1-16.]14LtMs, Ms 87, 1899, par. 4
In this parable Christ compares the kingdom of heaven to a man in search of workmen. Those who wanted work took their position in the market place, and at several different hours during the day the husbandman went there and engaged men. The steward was directed to call them together in the evening, that they might receive their wages. Beginning with those hired last, he paid them all the same sum. This offended those who had begun work early in the day. Had they not worked for twelve hours, they reasoned, and was it not right that they should receive more than those who had worked for only a few hours in the cooler part of the day? “These last have wrought but one hour,” they said, “and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.” [Verse 12.]14LtMs, Ms 87, 1899, par. 5
“Friend,” the householder said to one of them, “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 these 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.” [Verses 13-16.]14LtMs, Ms 87, 1899, par. 9
The gospel of the kingdom is not to be confined by any precise regulations. Christ dealt with men in a way that cultivated their moral and spiritual capabilities. He does not reward His servants according to the amount of labor done or according to the visible results, but according to the spirit brought into the work. To observers this dealing may seem unequal, and their sympathy goes out to those who say, “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.” [Matthew 20:12.] But the Lord makes no excuse for this supposed unfairness. “Those who came first,” He says, “received the amount for which they agreed to work. The last made no stipulated terms. They left the matter of payment with Me, having faith that I would do what is right and just.”14LtMs, Ms 87, 1899, par. 14
Those who think more of their wages than of the privilege of being honored as a servant of the Lord, who take up their work in a self-congratulatory spirit because they are to receive wages, do not bring self-denial and self-sacrifice into their work. The last men hired believed the word of the householder, “Whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” [Matthew 20:7.] They knew that they would receive all that they deserved, and they were placed first because they brought faith into their work. If those who had labored during the whole day had brought a loving, trusting spirit into their work, they would have continued to be first. The Lord Jesus estimates the work done by the spirit in which it is done. At a late hour He will accept penitent sinners who come to him in humble faith and are obedient to His commandments.14LtMs, Ms 87, 1899, par. 25
This parable does not excuse anyone who after hearing the truth assents to it, saying, “That is all true,” and then fails to comply with it. These refuse to walk in the light, because by so doing they would displease their friends or disturb their satisfied condition of self-righteousness. The parable does not mean that the Lord will vindicate those who, because they want their own time and their own way, refuse the first call to work. When the householder went to the market and found men unhired, he said, “Why stand ye all the day idle?” and the reply was, “Because no man hath hired us.” [Matthew 20:6, 7.] None of those called later in the day were there in the morning. They had never refused the call. Those who refuse and afterward repent, do well to repent; but it is not safe to trifle with the invitations of mercy. God will not be trifled with.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 23, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 23, 1908, par. 35
“But when the first came, they supposed 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 with 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 thou not agree with me for one penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto these 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: but many be called, but few chosen.” [Matthew 20:1-16.]Matthew 20:1-23
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 19, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 19, 1897, par. 35
But the disciples did not consider these words, and keep silent. They should have learned the lesson of the Master, that it is not reputation, natural talent, acquired skill, professional standing, or any honor given of men that weighs in the decisions of heaven. “But it shall be given them of whom it is prepared of my Father.” [Matthew 20:23.] Had they thought of the lesson given them in reference to humility, they would have had altogether different opinions of the ones who should be honored in the kingdom of God.12LtMs, Ms 19, 1897, par. 39
“So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, and 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 good man of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal with us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, 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.” [Matthew 20:1-16.]12LtMs, Ms 19, 1897, par. 41
This parable was designed to forever quench the eager, grasping, mercenary spirit, which is so offensive to God. Those who possessed this spirit were revealing their own unworthiness of having their wages increased, or of having the highest place. The complaint was, “These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal with us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.” The answer came, “Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for one penny? ... 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.” [Verses 12, 13, 15, 16.]Matthew 20:1-34
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 40, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15
The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 53, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4
In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6
We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 91, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15
Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.Matthew 20:4
That I May Know Him
Work Where You Are, November 20
TMK 330.1
And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Matthew 20:4.Matthew 20:6
A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 15—Social Justice
CSA 62.6
Those who are taught to earn what they receive will more readily learn to make the most of it. And in learning to be self-reliant, they are acquiring that which will not only make them self-sustaining, but will enable them to help others. Teach the importance of life’s duties to those who are wasting their opportunities. Show them that Bible religion never makes men idlers. Christ always encouraged industry. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” He said to the indolent. “I must work ... while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Matthew 20:6; John 9:4. 87The Ministry of Healing, 195.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 24, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 24, 1892, par. 3
Through all ages Christ has come to His people, as He represents Himself in the market place at all hours of the day employing laborers for His vineyard, and He says to them, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go labor today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] But how forcible is this parable in these days, when we are near the close of earth’s history. Well may we pray as never before both in our closets and in the church, that One mightier than the potentates of earth may stand at the helm.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 16, 1891, par. 10
All the devotion that has been given to the Mt. Vernon Sanitarium was called for in another direction. If Jesus were on the ground, He would repeat the words spoken eighteen hundred years ago, “Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already for harvest.” [John 4:35.] “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” [Matthew 20:6.] “The night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16a, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 16a, 1891, par. 15
All the devotion that has been given to the Mt. Vernon Sanitarium was called for in another direction. If Jesus were on the ground, He would repeat to you the words spoken eighteen hundred years ago, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” [John 4:35.] “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” [Matthew 20:6.] “The night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 13, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 13, 1893, par. 9
Christ said, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” [Matthew 20:6.] Many have no sense as to the value of time, but this negligence can and should be overcome through the transforming grace of Christ. The work of God will elevate you if you will be elevated. Many think they must live to please themselves else life is of no value. They indulge in this pleasure and that pleasure. It is their custom to live up to the last edge of means. God wants every man and woman to do his best. If you all economize you can save a little here and there.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 51, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 51, 1894, par. 1
There is a great work to be done in this country (Australia). I have spoken to the people upon the campground, and told them that the work cannot be done by the ordained minister alone. God will accept of any of those who love and serve Him in their efforts to educate those who are in the darkness of error, and thus win souls to Christ. Hundreds and thousands who profess the truth, who are now idlers in the market places, might be engaged in the work of the Lord. The voice of Christ speaks to them asking, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” and adds, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] Why is it that many more do not respond to this call? Is it because they think themselves excused because they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside of the pulpit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 84, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 84, 1894, par. 5
There is a great work to be done in this country. I have spoken to the people upon the campground and have told them that the work cannot be done by the ordained minister alone. God will accept any of those who love and serve Him in their efforts to educate those who are in the error of darkness, and thus win souls to Jesus. Hundreds and thousands who profess the truth, who are now idlers in the market places might be engaged in the work of the Lord. The voice of Christ speaks to them, asking, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” And adds, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside of the pulpit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 93, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 93, 1894, par. 12
Agencies of every kind must be set in operation; every follower of Christ can do something. Not to do one’s God-given work means unfaithfulness, indifference to the claims of God; it means the ranging of one’s self against Him. Jesus said, “He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.] Every member of the church is to be enlisted in His service. Every talent of means or of influence is to be employed. Christ asks of those who carry no burden of labor, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” [Matthew 20:6.] Work while it is day, for the night cometh, in which no man can work. The influence of Christ multiplies itself through His human agencies. To deny self for Christ’s sake is the daily obligation of every Christian.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 26, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 26, 1894, par. 20
Every line of influence given to man is to be employed to the uttermost. “Why,” is the Master’s question, “stand ye here all the day idle?” “Go work in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] Work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work. Our life has been purchased at infinite cost, not to be used selfishly for our own benefit, but it is to become a lamp which is to be constantly supplied with the oil of grace, and to be kept bright and burning.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 2, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 2, 1897, par. 3
God measures His people by His own unerring precepts. Will a man rob God of the time and the activity that He claims for His service? Time is very precious. Much can be accomplished in a day. But the Lord has never stipulated the eight-hour day system. He has said, “Work ... while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.] Again he says, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go work in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 65, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 65, 1898, par. 16
“Why,” inquires the Master, “stand ye here all the day idle? Work while it is day; for the night cometh when no man can work.” [See Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.] O, brethren, be consecrated in the hands of God. Be as a lamp that burneth in a dark and godless world. God expects us to appreciate our varied endowments, as so many talents to be faithfully put out to the exchangers, and multiplied by constant use. The Lord expects His followers to be models of correctness in all their relations of life, and [to] shine forth in good works to the world. If every moment is appreciated and properly employed, there is sufficient time for all that is needed to be done for ourselves and for the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 38, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 38, 1902, par. 6
Our sisters are inexcusable for allowing God-given talents to rust from inaction. It is not meet for us, my sisters, to wait for greater opportunities or holier dispositions. Christ asks, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” [Matthew 20:6.] We should now consecrate all—soul and body—to Christ, believing in His power to save, and having confidence that He will use us as instrumentalities to do His will and to glorify His name.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 20, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 20, 1902, par. 14
Christ always encouraged industry. “Why stand ye here all the day idle,” He said to the indolent. [Matthew 20:6.] “Work while the day lasts; for the night cometh, in which no man can work.” [See John 9:4.] He showed that God has entrusted every one with talents, which are to be improved and multiplied by faithful use. Seeing men absorbed in pursuit of worldly riches, using their entrusted capabilities to obtain advantage over one another, He explained, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Mark 10:23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 6, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 44
My brethren and sisters, study the prayer Christ taught His disciples. If we would but bring His spirit and life into the church, we should exert an influence that would move the world. Where are the sowers and the reapers, to sow the seed and gather in the harvest? “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” [Matthew 9:37, 38.] Yes, pray most earnestly that the Lord will send forth more laborers into the His harvest. To the indolent and indifferent comes the inquiry, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Work while the day lasts; for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.] The night is stealing on us. Soon it will be here. Soon the doors now thrown open for the entrance of truth will be closed. Now is the time for the Lord’s people to return to Him His own in gifts and offerings and in willing, earnest service.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 190, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 190, 1907, par. 10
Every church member is to engage in active service for the Master. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” He asks. “Go work today in My vineyard. Work while it is day; for the night cometh, when no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 170, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 170, 1907, par. 15
Every church member is to be engaged in active service for the Master. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” asks the Master. “Go work today in My vineyard. Work while it is day; for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.] “Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 43:10.] Can we comprehend it? We are Christ’s property, bought with a price, even the precious blood of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 49, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 49, 1907, par. 19
In His earthly life, the Saviour gives us an example of the hallowed lives that may be ours if we will devote our days to doing good to the souls that need our help. It is our privilege to bring joy to the sorrowful, light to the darkened, and life to the perishing. The Lord’s message comes to us, “Why stand ye here all the day idle; work while it is day; for the night cometh when no man can work.” [See Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.] Every word we speak, every act we perform that conduces to the happiness of others will conduce to our own happiness and make our lives like the life of Christ. Our daily duties are to be cheerfully accepted and cheerfully performed. Our chief duty is to reveal in words and deportment a life which will make manifest the attributes of heaven. The Word of life is given to us to study and practice. Our actions are to be in strict conformity to the laws of the kingdom of heaven. Then heaven can approve our work, and the talents we employ in His service will multiply for greater usefulness. The consecrated life will shine amid the moral darkness of the world, guiding perishing souls to the truth of the Word.The Ministry of Healing
Missionary Families
MH 195.3
Those who are taught to earn what they receive will more readily learn to make the most of it. And in learning to be self-reliant, they are acquiring that which will not only make them self-sustaining, but will enable them to help others. Teach the importance of life’s duties to those who are wasting their opportunities. Show them that Bible religion never makes men idlers. Christ always encouraged industry. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” He said to the indolent. “I must work ... while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 19b, 1874
2LtMs, Lt 19b, 1874, par. 3
We cannot endure the thought of another year passing and we see no special work done. I set before our people the work they might do. I appealed to them that every soul professing to believe the truth should arise and begin to build. I told them, Would that the words of the heavenly Teacher would arouse them to action! “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 6, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 6, 1885, par. 5
Much work remains to be done in proclaiming the third angel’s message. The Master is asking us, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” [Matthew 20:6.] We should engage in His service, however great a sacrifice this may at first appear to us. Poor, deluded souls must be aroused from the fatal lethargy of sin. The power of sin must be broken, else it will strengthen and result in complete and final ruin.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 65, 1884
4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, par. 14
I have been shown that large cities must be entered. The warning message of the soon coming Saviour must go forth to all the dark places of the earth. Missionaries are to be sent to Europe, Australia, and other foreign countries. A large work is to be done. The Saviour of the world is now saying to many, “Why sit ye here all the day idle? Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] The Lord is inviting you to act a part in this closing-up work. Christ invites you to act as colaborer with Him. Will you do it?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 45, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, par. 26
Of the church the Lord says, Why stand ye here all the day idle? Work while it is day. The night cometh, when no man can work. [Matthew 20:6; John 9:4.] There is no time for us to plan and study how we can amuse ourselves, please our own fancies, follow our own methods. The mind may reach high attainments by being directed in the right channel, but if not properly cultivated it reaches no higher than the lowlands of earth. It settles in the dust. God means that His people shall have a deep and rich experience themselves for the benefit of others. He means that the capabilities of the mind shall be developed and shall triumph over circumstances. God is to be made the center of everything. Earthly things are not to be allowed to have the ascendency.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 42, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 41
Every man and woman has had the ransom money paid by Jesus Christ. “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price”—even the precious blood of the Son of God. [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Your time is not your own to employ as you choose; it is God’s time, and you are required to do His will. You must see that every moment of life is invested with importance and should be used and not abused and wasted. There are to be no idlers in the Lord’s vineyard. To everyone He says, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go labor today in My vineyard. Work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.]6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 60
In the morning, October 24th, Elder Goodrich called to see me and we had a lengthy conversation in reference to the necessity of help in the State of Maine. There is need of reliable men there now, beside Elder Goodrich. Oh, that the Lord would pour upon His faithful ones a spirit of earnest intercession for Him to raise up men to be laborers in His vineyard. The cause of God needs not only money but men of piety and faith, self-sacrifice and love, to engage in the work. Oh that men who are giving their talent to their business concerns, serving themselves, may hear the inquiry from the Lord as was given to Elijah, “What doest thou here?” [1 Kings 19:9, 13.] “Why standest thou all the day idle? Go labor in My vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] Oh, for faithful men whose hearts are not calloused by the great light and great privileges which they have not appreciated nor improved! The Lord will hear our prayers. We will not, through weakness of faith, misunderstand His providences and His dealings with us, and distrust His love and His sure, faithful dealings with His people. We will put away our murmurings. We will not so much as think or speak unbelief. We will not talk of the hardships and trials.Matthew 20:6-7
Maranatha
Why So Many Idlers? April 25
Mar 123.5
Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation, are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in some line of active service. To these Christ is saying, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” and He adds, “Go ye also into the vineyard.” Matthew 20:6, 7. Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside the pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 11—The Gospel in Samaria
AA 110.3
Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in some line of active service. To these Christ is saying, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” and He adds, “Go ye also into the vineyard.” Matthew 20:6, 7. Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside the pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members.The Faith I Live By
The Gospel to All the World, October 29
FLB 308.4
Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation, are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in some line of active service. To these Christ is saying, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” and He adds, “Go ye also into the vineyard.” Matthew 20:6, 7. Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside the pulpit, by thousands of consecrated lay members.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 11—The Gospel Reaches Samaria and Ethiopia
TT 59.3
Thousands who have heard the message are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in active service. To these Christ is saying, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” And He adds, “Go ye also into the vineyard.” Matthew 20:6, 7.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 153, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 153, 1897, par. 5
Listen to the voice of Jesus, as it comes sounding down the long lines to our time, addressing the professed Christians who stand idly in the marketplace: “Why stand ye here all the day idle? ... Go ye also into the vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6, 7.] Work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 15, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 15, 1910, par. 13
Listen to the voice of Jesus as it comes sounding down along the line to our time, addressing the professed Christian who stands idle in the market place, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? ... Go ye also into the vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6, 7.] Work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work.Matthew 20:6-12
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Appendix
1T 713.2
Page 116, “Time to Begin the Sabbath”—For a period of about ten years Sabbathkeeping Adventists observed the Sabbath from 6 P. M. Friday to 6 P. M. Saturday. Elder Joseph Bates in his first pamphlet on the perpetuity of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, published in 1846, had given reasons for the supposed scriptural support for the observance of the Sabbath in this way. He cited the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, the last group of which had been called at “the eleventh hour” of the day and had wrought but one hour. The reckoning was made with them “when even was come.” Matthew 20:6, 8, 12. Comparing this with Christ’s question, “are there not twelve hours in the day?” He argued that the “even” began with the twelfth hour, or six o’clock, reckoning with equatorial time or the beginning of the sacred year. Respect for his years and experience and his godly life may have been the main reasons for accepting his conclusions without further investigation.Matthew 20:7
Selected Messages Book 2
Privilege of Working Versus Wages
2SM 182.1
Those who think more of their wages than of the privilege of being honored as a servant of the Lord, who take up their work in a self-congratulatory spirit because they are to receive wages, do not bring self-denial and self-sacrifice into their work. The last men hired believed the word of the householder, “Whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive” (Matthew 20:7). They knew that they would receive all that they deserved, and they were placed first because they brought faith into their work. If those who had labored during the whole day had brought a loving, trusting spirit into their work, they would have continued to be first.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 29, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 67
In the parable, the first laborers agreed to work for a stipulated sum, and they received the amount specified, nothing more. Those later hired believed the master’s promise, “Whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” [Matthew 20:7.] They showed their confidence in him by asking no question in regard to wages. They trusted his justice and equity. They were rewarded, not according to the amount of their labor, but according to the generosity of his purpose.Matthew 20:8-16
The Bible Echo
July 10, 1899
BEcho July 10, 1899, par. 1
“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 good man 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 thou not agree with me for a penny? Take that is thine, 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.” Matthew 20:8-16.Matthew 20:13-14
To Be Like Jesus
Work for Low Wages Rather Than Be Idle, March 15
BLJ 83.1
But he answered one of them and said, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.” Matthew 20:13, 14, NKJV.Matthew 20:17-19
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 115, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 115, 1897, par. 11
“And Jesus going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples apart by 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.” [Matthew 20:17-19.]Matthew 20:18-19
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 80—In Joseph’s Tomb
DA 777.1
The revenge which the priests had thought would be so sweet was already bitterness to them. They knew that they were meeting the severe censure of the people; they knew that the very ones whom they had influenced against Jesus were now horrified by their own shameful work. These priests had tried to believe Jesus a deceiver; but it was in vain. Some of them had stood by the grave of Lazarus, and had seen the dead brought back to life. They trembled for fear that Christ would Himself rise from the dead, and again appear before them. They had heard Him declare that He had power to lay down His life and to take it again. They remembered that He had said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19. Judas had told them the words spoken by Jesus to the disciples while on the last journey to Jerusalem: “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.” Matthew 20:18, 19. When they heard these words, they had mocked and ridiculed. But now they remembered that Christ’s predictions had so far been fulfilled. He had said that He would rise again the third day, and who could say that this also would not come to pass? They longed to shut out these thoughts, but they could not. Like their father, the devil, they believed and trembled.The Story of Jesus
Chapter 25—In Joseph’s Tomb
SJ 151.6
“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.” Matthew 20:18, 19.From Heaven With Love
Many Turn to Bible Study
HLv 518.2
The priests knew they were meeting the severe censure of the people. The ones they had influenced against Jesus were now horrified by their own shameful work. These priests trembled for fear that Christ would Himself rise from the dead and again appear before them. They remembered that He had said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19. Judas had told them the words spoken by Jesus on the last journey to Jerusalem: “The Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles ... to crucify Him: and the third day He shall rise again.” Matthew 20:18, 19. They remembered that Christ’s predictions had so far been fulfilled. Who could say that this also would not come to pass?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 94, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 94, 1897, par. 5
Christ had said to His disciples, “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 unto the Gentiles to mock and to scourge, and to crucify him; and the third day he shall rise again.” [Matthew 20:18, 19.] Overwhelmed with sorrow, the disciples did not see the hope and comfort in these words. They were repeated to the priests by Judas, and when they heard them they mocked and ridiculed. They spoke of Christ as a deceiver—a name that might appropriately have been applied to themselves. Now, when they heard the clamor for the mighty Healer, who cured the sick and raised Lazarus from the dead, they thought of His words, and remembered that in part they had been fulfilled. They remembered that He had said He would rise the third day; and they were horrified at the thought. Would He rise from the dead, and as judge arraign His accusers before His bar?Matthew 20:20-23
From Here to Forever
Companies of Angels Watch
HF 382.2
Angels are stationed about those who have kept the word of Christ’s patience. They have witnessed their distress and heard their prayers. They wait the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism. Matthew 20:20-23. Yet for the elect’s sake the time of trouble will be shortened. The end will come more quickly than men expect.Matthew 20:20-28
Conflict and Courage
A Fond Mother’s Request, November 4
CC 314.1
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21.CC 314.2
James and John presented through their mother a petition requesting that they might be permitted to occupy the highest positions of honor in Christ’s kingdom. Notwithstanding Christ’s repeated instruction concerning the nature of His kingdom, these young disciples still cherished the hope for a Messiah who would take His throne and kingly power in accordance with the desires of men....CC 314.3
But the Saviour answered, “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 recalled His mysterious words pointing to trial and suffering, yet answered confidently, “We are able.” They would count it highest honor to prove their loyalty by sharing all that was to befall their Lord.CC 314.4
“Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with,” Christ declared.... James and John were to be sharers with their Master in suffering—the one, destined to swift-coming death by the sword; the other, longest of all the disciples to follow his Master in labor and reproach and persecution. “But to sit on my right hand, and on my left,” He continued, “is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.” ...CC 314.5
In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism. It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition attained—tokens of self-conquest through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ....CC 314.6
The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who has drunk most deeply of His spirit of self-sacrificing love,—love that “vaunteth not itself, ... seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil,”—love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice even unto death, for the saving of humanity.5The Acts of the Apostles, 541-543.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 60—What Is the Highest Position?
HLv 363.1
Passover was drawing near, and again Jesus turned toward Jerusalem. In His heart was the peace of perfect oneness with the Father’s will, and with eager steps He pressed on toward the place of sacrifice. But a sense of mystery, of doubt and fear, fell upon the disciples. The Saviour “went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid.”HLv 363.2
Again Christ opened to the Twelve His betrayal and sufferings: “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death: and the third day He shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.”HLv 363.3
Had they not just before proclaimed everywhere, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”? Had not Christ Himself given to the Twelve the special promise of positions of high honor in His kingdom? And had not the prophets foretold the glory of the Messiah’s reign? In the light of these thoughts, His words in regard to betrayal, persecution, and death seemed vague and shadowy. Whatever difficulties might intervene, they believed that the kingdom was soon to be established.HLv 363.4
John and his brother James had been among the first group who had forsaken home and friends to be with Him. Their hearts seemed linked with His, and in the ardor of their love they longed to be nearest to Him in His kingdom. At every opportunity, John took his place next to the Saviour, and James longed to be honored with as close connection with Him.HLv 364.1
Their mother had ministered to Christ freely of her substance. With a mother’s love and ambition for her sons, she coveted for them the most honored place in the new kingdom. Together mother and sons came to Jesus.HLv 364.2
“What would ye that I should do for you?” He questioned.HLv 364.3
“Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom.”HLv 364.4
Jesus read their hearts. He knew the depth of their attachment to Him. Their love, though defiled by the earthliness of its human channel, was an outflowing from the fountain of His own redeeming love.HLv 364.5
“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 recalled His mysterious words, pointing to trial and suffering, yet answered confidently, “We are able.”HLv 364.6
“Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with,” He said. John and James were to share with their Master in suffering; the one, first of the brethren to perish with the sword; the other, longest of all to endure toil and persecution.HLv 364.7
“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.” In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism, nor received through arbitrary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and the throne are tokens of a condition attained through our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love—love that moves the disciple to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto death, for the saving of humanity.HLv 365.1
The ten were much displeased. The highest place in the kingdom was just what every one of them was seeking for himself, and they were angry that the two disciples had gained a seeming advantage over them.HLv 365.2
Jesus said to the indignant disciples, “Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you.”HLv 365.3
In the kingdoms of the world, position meant self-aggrandizement. The people existed for the benefit of the ruling classes. Wealth and education were means of gaining control of the masses. The higher classes were to think, decide, and rule; the lower, to obey and serve. Religion, like all things else, was a matter of authority.HLv 365.4
Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. Power, position, talent, education, placed their possessor under greater obligation to serve.HLv 365.5
“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” The principle on which Christ acted is to actuate the members of the church, His body. In the kingdom of Christ those are greatest who follow the example He has given.From Heaven With Love
A Kingdom of Different Principles
HLv 365.6
The words of Paul reveal the true dignity and honor of the Christian life: “Though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all,” “not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 9:19; 10:33.HLv 365.7
In matters of conscience, no one is to control another’s mind or prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions. In matters where principle is involved, “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Romans 14:5. The angels of heaven do not come to earth to rule and to exact homage, but to cooperate with men in uplifting humanity.HLv 366.1
The principles and words of the Saviour’s teaching dwelt in the memory of the beloved disciple to his latest days. The burden of John’s testimony was, “This is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:11, 16.HLv 366.2
This spirit pervaded the early church. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, “the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 4:32, 33.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 60—The Law of the New Kingdom
DA 547.1
The time of the Passover was drawing near, and again Jesus turned toward Jerusalem. In His heart was the peace of perfect oneness with the Father’s will, and with eager steps He pressed on toward the place of sacrifice. But a sense of mystery, of doubt and fear, fell upon the disciples. The Saviour “went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid.”DA 547.2
Again Christ called the twelve about Him, and with greater definiteness than ever before, He opened to them His betrayal and sufferings. “Behold,” He said, “we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death: and the third day He shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.”DA 547.3
Had they not just before proclaimed everywhere, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”? Had not Christ Himself promised that many should sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God? Had He not promised to all who had left aught for His sake a hundredfold in this life, and a part in His kingdom? And had He not given to the twelve the special promise of positions of high honor in His kingdom,—to sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel? Even now He had said that all things written in the prophets concerning Him should be fulfilled. And had not the prophets foretold the glory of the Messiah’s reign? In the light of these thoughts, His words in regard to betrayal, persecution, and death seemed vague and shadowy. Whatever difficulties might intervene, they believed that the kingdom was soon to be established.DA 548.1
John, the son of Zebedee, had been one of the first two disciples who had followed Jesus. He and his brother James had been among the first group who had left all for His service. Gladly they had forsaken home and friends that they might be with Him; they had walked and talked with Him; they had been with Him in the privacy of the home, and in the public assemblies. He had quieted their fears, delivered them from danger, relieved their sufferings, comforted their grief, and with patience and tenderness had taught them, till their hearts seemed linked with His, and in the ardor of their love they longed to be nearest to Him in His kingdom. At every possible opportunity, John took his place next the Saviour, and James longed to be honored with as close connection with Him.DA 548.2
Their mother was a follower of Christ, and had ministered to Him freely of her substance. With a mother’s love and ambition for her sons, she coveted for them the most honored place in the new kingdom. For this she encouraged them to make request.DA 548.3
Together the mother and her sons came to Jesus, asking that He would grant a petition on which their hearts were set.DA 548.4
“What would ye that I should do for you?” He questioned.DA 548.5
The mother answered, “Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom.”DA 548.6
Jesus bears tenderly with them, not rebuking their selfishness in seeking preference above their brethren. He reads their hearts, He knows the depth of their attachment to Him. Their love is not a mere human affection; though defiled by the earthliness of its human channel, it is an outflowing from the fountain of His own redeeming love. He will not rebuke, but deepen and purify. He said, “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 recall His mysterious words, pointing to trial and suffering, yet answer confidently, “We are able.” They would count it highest honor to prove their loyalty by sharing all that is to befall their Lord.DA 548.7
“Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with,” He said; before Him a cross instead of a throne, two malefactors His companions at His right hand and His left. John and James were to share with their Master in suffering; the one, first of the brethren to perish with the sword; the other, longest of all to endure toil, and reproach, and persecution.DA 549.1
“But to sit on My right hand, and on My left,” He continued, “is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father.” In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism. It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition attained; they are the tokens of self-conquest through our Lord Jesus Christ.DA 549.2
Long afterward, when the disciple had been brought into sympathy with Christ through the fellowship of His sufferings, the Lord revealed to John what is the condition of nearness in His kingdom. “To him that overcometh,” Christ said, “will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, ... and I will write upon him My new name.” Revelation 3:21, 12. So Paul the apostle wrote, “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8.DA 549.3
The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love,—love that “vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, ... seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5),—love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto death, for the saving of humanity. This spirit was made manifest in the life of Paul. He said, “For to me to live is Christ;” for his life revealed Christ to men; “and to die is gain,”—gain to Christ; death itself would make manifest the power of His grace, and gather souls to Him. “Christ shall be magnified in my body,” he said, “whether it be by life or by death.” Philippians 1:21, 20.DA 549.4
When the ten heard of the request of James and John, they were much displeased. The highest place in the kingdom was just what every one of them was seeking for himself, and they were angry that the two disciples had gained a seeming advantage over them.DA 550.1
Again the strife as to which should be greatest seemed about to be renewed, when Jesus, calling them to Him, said to the indignant disciples, “Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you.”DA 550.2
In the kingdoms of the world, position meant self-aggrandizement. The people were supposed to exist for the benefit of the ruling classes. Influence, wealth, education, were so many means of gaining control of the masses for the use of the leaders. The higher classes were to think, decide, enjoy, and rule; the lower were to obey and serve. Religion, like all things else, was a matter of authority. The people were expected to believe and practice as their superiors directed. The right of man as man, to think and act for himself, was wholly unrecognized.DA 550.3
Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. Power, position, talent, education, placed their possessor under the greater obligation to serve his fellows. To even the lowliest of Christ’s disciples it is said, “All things are for your sakes.” 2 Corinthians 4:15.DA 550.4
“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Among His disciples Christ was in every sense a caretaker, a burden bearer. He shared their poverty, He practiced self-denial on their account, He went before them to smooth the more difficult places, and soon He would consummate His work on earth by laying down His life. The principle on which Christ acted is to actuate the members of the church which is His body. The plan and ground of salvation is love. In the kingdom of Christ those are greatest who follow the example He has given, and act as shepherds of His flock.DA 550.5
The words of Paul reveal the true dignity and honor of the Christian life: “Though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all,” “not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 9:19; 10:33.DA 550.6
In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled. No one is to control another’s mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions. “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another. In all matters where principle is involved, “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Romans 14:12, 5. In Christ’s kingdom there is no lordly oppression, no compulsion of manner. The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity.DA 551.1
The principles and the very words of the Saviour’s teaching, in their divine beauty, dwelt in the memory of the beloved disciple. To his latest days the burden of John’s testimony to the churches was, “This is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:11, 16.DA 551.2
This was the spirit that pervaded the early church. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, “the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own.” “Neither was there any among them that lacked.” “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:32, 34, 33.Matthew 20:21-22
The Signs of the Times
July 16, 1896
ST July 16, 1896, par. 2
The words that Christ spoke to John and James, recorded in Matthew 20:21, 22, contain a deep, unchangeable truth. Tho they did not understand its full significance when it was spoken to them, they afterward appreciated its meaning; for the Holy Spirit enlightened their minds. These words are written for our instruction as well as theirs. We are in the same danger as were those who supposed that they were the very favorites of heaven, who supposed that Christ had come to exalt the Jews as a nation, and to break the yoke of bondage under which they groaned with such a sense of humiliation. They excluded the gentiles from any participation in the kingdom of God; but Jesus distinctly told them that many who were called heathen would be saved, while those who had neglected to improve their rich opportunities, and who did not appreciate the treasures of truth, would be cast into outer darkness.Matthew 20:21-28
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 53—John the Beloved
AA 542.2
“Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with,” Christ declared—before Him a cross instead of a throne, two malefactors His companions at His right hand and at His left. James and John were to be sharers with their Master in suffering—the one, destined to swift-coming death by the sword; the other, longest of all the disciples to follow his Master in labor and reproach and persecution. “But to sit on My right hand, and on My left,” He continued, “is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father.” Matthew 20:21-23.AA 542.3
Jesus understood the motive that prompted the request and thus reproved the pride and ambition of the two disciples: “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.” Matthew 20:25-28.Matthew 20:22
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 74—Gethsemane
DA 689.1
And John, the loving disciple who had leaned upon the breast of Jesus, was asleep. Surely, the love of John for his Master should have kept him awake. His earnest prayers should have mingled with those of his loved Saviour in the time of His supreme sorrow. The Redeemer had spent entire nights praying for His disciples, that their faith might not fail. Should Jesus now put to James and John the question He had once asked them, “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 would not have ventured to answer, “We are able.” Matthew 20:22.Matthew 20:25-26
Help In Daily Living
True Greatness
HDL 17.4
“Ye know,” Christ said, “that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister.” Matthew 20:25, 26, A.R.V.The Ministry of Healing
A Lesson From the Life of Moses
MH 478.1
“Ye know,” Christ said, “that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister.” Matthew 20:25, 26, A.R.V.Matthew 20:26
The Faith I Live By
The Servant of Man, October 18
FLB 297.3
Again and again Jesus had tried to establish this principle among His disciples. When James and John made their request for preeminence, He had said, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” Matthew 20:26. In My kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no place. The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devotion to the service of others.73The Desire of Ages, 649, 650.Matthew 20:26-27
Conflict and Courage
Sower of Strife, October 8
CC 287.1
Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. Matthew 20:26, 27.This Day With God
To God Be the Glory, July 10
TDG 200.1
Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. Matthew 20:26, 27.The Home Missionary
July 1, 1891
HM July 1, 1891, par. 2
The blessed of the Father are those who have been ministering to Christ in the person of his afflicted ones, those who have been partakers with the Saviour in his work for the uplifting and blessing of fallen and suffering humanity. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” He says,“I am among you as he that serveth.” And pointing to his own example, he declares to his followers, “Whosoever would become great among you, shall be your minister; and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 20:26, 27 (Revised Version).From Trials to Triumph
Christ Wants Only Willing Surrender
TT 284.6
Jesus reproved the pride and ambition of the two disciples: “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” Matthew 20:26, 27. In the kingdom of God, position is the result of character. The crown and the throne are tokens of self-conquest through the grace of Christ.Matthew 20:26-28
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 71—A Servant of Servants
DA 642.2
The whole life of Christ had been a life of unselfish service. “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” (Matthew 20:28), had been the lesson of His every act. But not yet had the disciples learned the lesson. At this last Passover supper, Jesus repeated His teaching by an illustration that impressed it forever on their minds and hearts.DA 650.1
Again and again Jesus had tried to establish this principle among His disciples. When James and John made their request for pre-eminence, He had said, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” Matthew 20:26. In My kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy has no place. The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devotion to the service of others.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 34—A Consecrated Ministry
AA 359.2
Again and again Jesus tried to establish his principle among His disciples. When James and John made their request for pre-eminence, He said, “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.” Matthew 20:26-28.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 34—The Joy of Working With Christ
TT 189.2
Again and again He tried to establish this principle among His disciples. “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.” Matthew 20:26-28.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Great Head of the Church, February 17
JNN 56.3
Again and again Jesus tried to establish His principle among His disciples. When James and John made their request for pre-eminence, He said, “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” (Matthew 20:26-28).Matthew 20:27
The Great Controversy
Chapter 3—An Era of Spiritual Darkness
GC 58.1
How striking the contrast between the overbearing pride of this haughty pontiff and the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who represents Himself as pleading at the door of the heart for admittance, that He may come in to bring pardon and peace, and who taught His disciples: “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” Matthew 20:27.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 3—The Roman Church
4SP 61.2
How striking the contrast between the overbearing pride of this haughty pontiff and the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who represents himself as pleading at the door of the heart for admittance, that he may come in to bring pardon and peace, and who taught his disciples, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” [Matthew 20:27.]From Here to Forever
Days of Peril for the Church
HF 38.1
How striking the contrast between this haughty pontiff and Christ, who represents Himself as pleading at the door of the heart for admittance. He taught His disciples: “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” Matthew 20:27.Matthew 20:27-28
Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]
MR No. 1265—Minds of Committee Members to be Worked by the Holy Spirit; The Marks of Christlikeness
17MR 167.3
Young, inexperienced men who are unprepared rush ahead, not knowing whether they are right or wrong. Their wisdom is exalted above the wisdom of God. The Lord would have His people have real, genuine faith, for without faith it is impossible to please God. “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” (Matthew 20:27, 28).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 33, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 33, 1891, par. 5
“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.” Matthew 20:27, 28.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 165, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 165, 1898, par. 2
After saying this, Christ gave His disciples an opportunity to ask Him more particularly in regard to the meaning of His words. But they were thinking and talking of a very different subject. When they reached Capernaum, Christ asked them, “What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace; for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and a servant of all.” [Verses 33-35.] “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.” [Matthew 20:27, 28.]Matthew 20:28
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 12—Asking to Give
COL 139.1
Christ was continually receiving from the Father that He might communicate to us. “The word which ye hear,” He said, “is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.” John 14:24. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. Not for Himself, but for others, He lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God He came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others. His words were given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He might speak in season to the weary and oppressed. “The Lord God hath given Me,” He said, “the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth Mine ear to hear as the learned.” Isaiah 50:4.In Heavenly Places
Living for Others, August 14
HP 233.1
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28.Last Day Events
Chapter 20—The Inheritance of the Saints
LDE 299.1
“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” [Matthew 20:28]. Christ’s work below is His work above, and our reward for working with Him in this world will be the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come. “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God” [Isaiah 43:12]. This also we shall be in eternity.Our Father Cares
Living for Others, June 20
OFC 183.1
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28.Prayer
Chapter 31—Asking to Give
Pr 304.1
Christ was continually receiving from the Father that He might communicate to us. “The word which ye hear,” He said, “is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.” John 14:24. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. Not for Himself, but for others, He lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God He came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others. His words were given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He might speak in season to the weary and oppressed. “The Lord God hath given Me,” He said, “the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth Mine ear to hear as the learned.” Isaiah 50:4.Reflecting Christ
Acts of Sympathy Open Doors, August 20
RC 246.1
The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28.Steps to Christ
Chapter 9—The Work and the Life
SC 78.1
The Saviour’s life on earth was not a life of ease and devotion to Himself, but He toiled with persistent, earnest, untiring effort for the salvation of lost mankind. From the manger to Calvary He followed the path of self-denial and sought not to be released from arduous tasks, painful travels and exhausting care and labor. He said, “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28. This was the one great object of His life. Everything else was secondary and subservient. It was His meat and drink to do the will of God and to finish His work. Self and self-interest had no part in His labor.The Ministry of Healing
Training for Service
MH 396.4
“God so loved, ... that He gave,” “gave His only-begotten Son,” that we should not perish, but have everlasting life. “Christ ... hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us.” If we love we shall give. “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister” is the great lesson which we are to learn and to teach. John 3:16; Ephesians 5:2; Matthew 20:28.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 71—A Servant of Servants
HLv 433.2
The life of Christ had been one of unselfish service. “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28) had been the lesson of His every act. But not yet had the disciples learned the lesson. At this last Passover Jesus was troubled. A shadow rested upon His countenance. The disciples perceived that something weighed heavily on His mind.With God at Dawn
The Son of Man Came to Minister, October 16
WGD 291.1
Even as the Son of man came not to he ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28.Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 25—Talents
COL 361.4
They will enter into the joy of the Lord as they see in His kingdom those who have been redeemed through their instrumentality. And they are privileged to participate in His work there, because they have gained a fitness for it by participation in His work here. What we shall be in heaven is the reflection of what we are now in character and holy service. Christ said of Himself, “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. This, His work on earth, is His work in heaven. And our reward for working with Christ in this world is the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 29, 1872
2LtMs, Lt 29, 1872, par. 6
A true shepherd will have an interest in all which relates to the welfare of the flock, feeding them, guiding them, and defending them. He will carry himself with great wisdom, manifesting a tender consideration for all, being courteous and compassionate to all, especially the tempted and afflicted and desponding. Instead of giving this class the sympathy as their particular cases have demanded, and as their infirmities have required, you have shunned this class, while you have drawn largely upon others for sympathy. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” John 13:16. “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” Romans 15:1-3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 29a, 1872
2LtMs, Lt 29a, 1872, par. 7
Instead of giving this class the sympathy as their particular cases have demanded and as their infirmities have required, you have shunned this class, while you have drawn large upon others for sympathy. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” John 13:16. “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” Romans 15:1-3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 35, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 35, 1886, par. 2
Love is the silken cord that binds hearts together. We are not to feel that we must set up ourselves as a pattern. As long as we think of ourselves and what is due to us from others, it will be impossible for us to do our work of saving souls. When Christ takes possession of our hearts, we shall no longer make the narrow circle of self the center of our thoughts and of our attentions. What a wonderful reverence for human life Jesus expressed in His life mission. He stood not among the people as a king, demanding attention, reverence, service, but as one who wished to serve, to uplift humanity. He said He had not come to be ministered unto, but to minister. [Matthew 20:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 8, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 8, 1897, par. 15
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] God sent His Son “not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” [Matthew 20:28.] But many of His followers, by their selfish course of action, reveal that they know not the science of ministry, they do not understand that Christ came to minister, not to be ministered unto, and that they must follow His example.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 43, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 43, 1897, par. 18
Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are to have an abiding sense that we are in the service of the Lord. The world is full of those who need to be ministered unto—the weak, the helpless, the ignorant. Christ’s followers should cherish no selfish motives, no feeling of self-exaltation. He who shows that he desires the highest place, irrespective of those around him, who thinks that he must be specially favored, is far from grasping the meaning of Christ’s words, “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” [Matthew 20:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 54, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 54, 1897, par. 16
Peter could not bear to see his Lord, whom he believed to be the Son of God, acting the part of a servant. His whole soul rose up against His humiliation. But for this Christ came into the world. His life had been one of continual service. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” [Matthew 20:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 96, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 96, 1901, par. 22
The youth who is studying for a physician has before him the very highest example, even the example of Him who left heaven to live on this earth a man among men. To all, Christ has given the work of ministry. He is the King of glory, yet He declared, “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” [Matthew 20:28.] He is the Majesty of heaven, yet He willingly consented to come to this earth to do the work laid upon Him by His Father. He has dignified labor. That He might set us an example of industry, He worked with His hands at the carpenter’s <trade>. From a very early age He acted His part in sustaining the family. He realized that He was a part of the family firm, and He willingly bore His share of the burdens.Jesus, Name Above All Names
True Paschal Lamb, October 2
JNN 291.3
The whole life of Christ had been a life of unselfish service. “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” (Matthew 20:28), had been the lesson of His every act. But not yet had the disciples learned the lesson. At this last Passover supper, Jesus repeated His teaching by an illustration that impressed it forever on their minds and hearts.Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 27—“Who is My Neighbour?”
COL 389.1
“If thou wilt keep My charge,” the Lord declares, “I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by”—even among the angels that surround His throne. (Zechariah 3:7.) By co-operating with heavenly beings in their work on earth, we are preparing for their companionship in heaven. “Ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14), angels in heaven will welcome those who on earth have lived “not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28). In this blessed companionship we shall learn, to our eternal joy, all that is wrapped up in the question, “Who is my neighbour?”Education
Chapter 35—The School of the Hereafter
Ed 308.1
“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. Christ’s work below is His work above, and our reward for working with Him in this world will be the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come.God’s Amazing Grace
Eden Life Renewed, December 20
AG 362.6
“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28). Christ’s work below is His work above, and our reward for working with Him in this world will be the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come. “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God” (Isaiah 43:12). This also we shall be in eternity....Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Physical Labor and Mental Activity
GW92 171.1
The precious book of God contains rules of life for men of every class and every vocation. Examples are here found which it would be well for all to study and imitate. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” [Matthew 20:28.] The true honor and glory of the servant of Christ consists, not in the number of sermons preached, nor in the amount of writing accomplished, but in the work of faithfully ministering to the wants of the people. If he neglects this part of his work, he has no right to the name of minister.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
The Shepherd’s Work
GW 189.3
A true shepherd will have an interest in all that relates to the welfare of the flock, feeding, guiding, and defending them. He will carry himself with great wisdom, and will manifest a tender consideration for all, especially for the tempted, the afflicted, and the desponding. “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” [Matthew 20:28.] “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” [John 13:16.] Christ “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” [Philippians 2:7.] “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on Me.” [Romans 15:1-3.]Heaven
Chapter 16—Heaven Is a School
Hvn 153.2
“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. Christ’s work below is His work above, and our reward for working with Him in this world will be the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come.Heaven
Chapter 18—Heaven Can Begin Now
Hvn 171.1
“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. Christ’s work below is His work above, and our reward for working with Him in this world will be the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 20:1-2
From Heaven With Love
Chapter 39—“Give Ye Them to Eat”
HLv 244.5
The disciples finally urged that for their own sake the people should be sent away. Many had eaten nothing since morning. In surrounding towns they might buy food. But Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat.” Turning to Philip, He questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” This He said to test the faith of the disciple. Philip looked over the sea of heads, and answered that two hundred pennyworth1The “penny,” or denarius, was equivalent to the daily wage of a common laborer. See Matthew 20:1, 2. of bread would not be nearly enough, so that each of them might have a little.