Matthew 20

20:1-16 This parable is similar to the parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32). In both, God’s grace is shown to two parties while one grumbles about unjust treatment.

20:8 Payment followed the day’s work (Deut 24:14-15).

20:16 See Matt 5:19; 8:11-12.

20:20-28 Each prediction of Jesus’ suffering in Matthew is connected to instruction on the nature of discipleship in light of that suffering (see 16:24-28; 17:24–18:5). This teaching called the Messiah’s disciples to follow his example of service and sacrifice.20:20-21 This mother’s question appears to have been inspired by her sons, since Jesus responded to the sons rather than to the mother (cp. Mark 10:35-37).

20:21 The promise of sitting in positions of authority in God’s Kingdom had already been given (19:28); the brothers’ request seems to have been motivated out of selfish desire for prominence, with no regard for the suffering the Messiah would soon undergo (see Matt 23:6; Luke 14:7-11).

20:22 The cup refers to Jesus’ duty, calling, and destiny (see 26:39; John 18:11; see also Ps 75:8; Isa 51:17, 22; Rev 16:19).

20:23 You will indeed: James was eventually martyred (Acts 12:2), and John suffered significant persecution (Acts 4:3; 5:40; Rev 1:9).

20:24 The other disciples . . . were indignant: Selfish ambition was apparently not unique to James and John (see also 21:15; 26:8; Luke 13:14).

20:25-28 The desire for power is characteristic of pagan rulers in this world. It ought not to be a trait of those who follow the Son of Man (18:1-5; 19:13-15; 23:1-12).

20:27 The word slave is a common metaphor for the submissive relationship of a disciple to his master (8:9; 10:24-25; 24:45-51; 25:14-30). Jesus’ disciples serve others, following Jesus’ example (e.g., John 13:1-17).

20:28 This expression, the Son of Man came, suggests Jesus’ preexistence (see Dan 7:13-14). • Jesus was describing his voluntary offering of himself as a ransom for many, to pay the debt all people owe (see Matt 26:26-29; Isa 53:10-12; Rom 3:24), thereby buying them out of slavery (see Gal 5:1).

20:29-34 The blind men’s expression of faith in the Son of David was an acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah (see 21:9; 22:42; 2 Sam 7:12-16).