Gospel According to Matthew Bible Study

Chapter 20

Book Five: Jesus Travels to Judea and Enters Jerusalem, Narrative: Events in Judea and Jesus’ Teaching in the Temple

(1-16) This parable continues and further clarifies Jesus’ reply to the disciples’ question in Matthew 19 — “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replies, “Many that are first will be last, and the last first.” Keep in mind when reading Matthew 20:1-16 that this is a parable. It is not something that actually happened, nor is it proposed as a model for labor relations today. Jesus is telling this story to help his disciples understand who will be part of the kingdom of God. Some notes:
- start of day - early laborers: 6 am
- third hour: 9 am
- sixth hour: noon
- ninth hour: 3 pm
- eleventh hour: 5 pm
- end of day - 6 pm
(1-16) What or whom do the following represent?
- The vineyard (see Jeremiah 12:10 and Isaiah 5:1-7)
- Harvest time
- The employer
- The first group of workers
- The later groups
(1-16) How does this parable illustrate God’s justice and mercy? (other examples of this mercy .. Luke 15:11-32, Luke 23:39-43)
(1-16) What is the parable’s message to Israel?
(17-19) Twice already in Matthew’s Gospel we have heard Jesus prophesy his passion. Review Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22-23. What new information does Jesus give the disciples in Matthew 20:17-19?
(20-28) What “cup” is Jesus talking about in Matthew 20:22? (Ps 75:8, Is 51:17, Jer 25:15, Matthew 26:39-42)
(26-28) How is greatness achieved in God’s kingdom?

The Holy Bible
Introduction to the Gospel According to Saint Matthew, from the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible especially note the outline on the last page of the pdf to provide helpful context to where we are in Matthew’s Gospel.
5 Books of Mattew - a quick view