Laborers in the Vineyard
Read Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus explains His statement He has just said in Matthew 19:30 ... "the first in this life will be last, and the last will be first"....by sharing a parable on regarding a landowner hiring laborers for his vineyard....
The first (early morning) laborers agreed to work of one day's wage. Around noon, he hired more laborers and they worked for one day's wage also. Around 3:00 in the afternoon, he hired more and then at 5:00 he hired even more.
When evening came, the foreman was told to pay the last group first and continue until the first group was paid last. The first group thought they would receive more because they had worked more, but they received the same amount.
They grumbled to the landowner.
1. Do we ever grumble because we see someone rewarded or blessed for less work than what we have done? This may be human nature, but not God's nature within us.
The landowner (can be seen as the Lord) asks the laborers (can be seen as us, his workers):
"Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own?....or.....is your eye envious because I am generous?"
2. Let's examine our hearts. Is there anyone you are envious of because God's generosity has been poured out in their lives? In your estimation they may not even seem deserving of so many blessings.
3. What do we learn from James 3:14-16?
4. What should we exhibit in our lives instead of jealousy and envy?
James 3:17-18 -
Back to Matthew 20 -
Death, Resurrection Foretold
5. As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, what did He share with His 12 disciples? vs. 18-19
Preferment Asked
The mother of James & John came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him.
6. What did she want Jesus to do for her two sons? vs. 21 -
7. How did Jesus answer her? vs. 22 -
The disciples said they were able to indentify with Him, to drink or experience the cup He was going to endure. Jesus told them that they would drink His cup, but it was not His decision to choose who would sit on His right or left.
8. Who would that be for? vs. 23 -
9. How did the other 10 disciples feel about the 2 who asked for this? vs. 24 -
Jesus called them to Himself and gave them a lesson on being "great" in His kingdom.
10. In the world's system, what do rulers do? vs. 25 -
(1) (2)
11. In God's system (kingdom), what do leaders do? vs. 26-27 -
12. The greatest man (leader) that ever lived set this example for us. Did Jesus demand to be served?
13. What did He come to do? vs. 28 -
Remember: If you are wanting to be used of God as a leader to others - your motivation should never be to have others under you .. but you should be willing to serve them and serve their needs.
Sight for the Blind
As Jesus and His disciples were going out from Jericho - a great multitude followed Him. Two blind men were sitting by the road and crying out for Jesus to have mercy on them.
The multitude told them to be quiet; but they cried out all the more and they got the attention of Jesus passing by!
14. Jesus said "What do you want me to do for you?" ... What did they say? vs. 33 -
15. What response did Jesus have to this? vs. 34 -
(1) (2)
16. What response did the blind men have to Jesus? vs. 34 -
Your summary notes and prayer today:
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