Chapter Summary

Parables of laborers in the vineyard. Jesus' death and resurrection again foretold. Ambitious requests of James and John. Healing of the two blind men.

Discussion Questions for Matthew, Chapter 20

1. How does the parable of the vineyard change your thinking on the phrase in ch. 19 "many who are first will be last, and the last first" (HCSB)? Does this passage signify humility or something else? What does this teach you about your deservedness of God's gifts?
2. Why do you think Jesus predicts His death in the middle of His teachings on humility? What does that teach you about the temporary nature of life and our stuff? How does death "equalize" humanity?
3. What does this passage teach you about God's character? In what ways have you wrestled with God's sense of fairness and justice against your own sense of fairness and justice? How does this change your perception of God's sovereignty?
4. How does this chapter deconstruct our temptation for ambition and self-promotion? In what ways are you tempted to use the things of God to advance your own life and ambition?
5. In what ways does this chapter highlight the Christian's need for self-sacrifice? How does the world's system of "getting ahead" contrast with God's system of humility and sacrifice? In what ways can you put these things into practice in your own life?
6. What lessons can we learn from the blind men regarding persistence in faith? How does this story challenge you in your own faith? What is the significance of God answering their prayers only after being persistent?
7. Why do you think it's important that Jesus confronts James and John about their desire for power? How do you reconcile this with their importance as apostles who had supernatural powers from Jesus? What does this say about how God desires you to use the gifts He has given you?
8. How does "mercy" (HCSB) define the story of the blind men? In what ways have you seen the mercy of God in your own life, and what was the end result of that?
9. What does the parable of the vineyard workers teach us about God's salvation? In what ways is salvation unfair? How does this impact your understanding of God's grace?
10. How do you define "success"? In what ways does the world's view of success differ from the Biblical view of success?

Key Words/Phrase

Service, vv. 1, 27.

Characters

Jesus, wife of Zebedee, James, John, two blind men.

Strong Verse(s)

16, 26, 27.