Bible Verse Synopsis 3-9-25
Matthew 20
The parable of the laborers gives some interesting insight into how we are to be treated by God as we enter the Kingdom. We will all be given the same reward or punishment there are only 2 choices after death on this Earth. The last shall be given their reward first, just as in the parable. The last were paid first and the first were paid last. Yet all received the same payment. That is because God trests all the same. He does not show favoritism. He shows love to His people (The church and Israel, in that order). Verse 16 gives us a cautionary warning - “… for many be called, but few chosen.”
In verses 17-19 Christ again predicts His capture, suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus took them aside privately and told them to make sure they understood, but did they fully grasp what Christ was saying? It is as though Jesus is trying to lift something off of their hearts so it is open to Him!
Salome, with James and John at her side, asks for her sons to be placed at his right and left side in the Kingdom. Verse 22 - “You know not what you ask”. We are not able to drink of the same cup that Jesus drank as a man. If we did, we would surly perish the suffering and pain His body went through is something most of us couldn’t take. The requesters were confused as they said they were able! They were able in their own way but not in the same way as Christ. Christ then explains that the place on His left and His right are not for Him to give away. The Father has already decided who will sit where. The disciples spoke of worldly greatness when in reality the greatness we should seek is spiritual! Verse 26 - “But it shall not be so among you: but whosever will be great among you; let him be your minister (servant).” This is what made Christ so great. He always served others. We are called to do the same. How can we serve others today?
Help us, Lord, to be compassionate like Christ to the two blind men who called out to Him as the “Son of David”. They were singing out His praises for all to hear and Christ found them and opened their eyes. This will be the same phenomenon when the eyes of Israel and Judea are opened to the Christ. When Jesus returns their eyes will also be opened to who Christ was the whole time and admit their wrongs from the past. Let us recognize Christ in all His forms and give Him the praises and love He deserves