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Matthew Chapter Twenty

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Eyes of Those Who Followed the Lord

I. The parable of the vineyard------they cared about the wages that they received------evil eyes (v.1-16).

II. The instruction of the way of cross------the ignorant disciples------blind eyes (v.17-19).

III. The differences between the heavenly and earthly kingdom------the disciples argued for status among each other------evil eyes (v.20-28).

IV. The Lord healed two blind men------they disregarded blocks and received mercy finally and then followed the Lord------blind eyes were opened (v.29-34).

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Matt. 20:1For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.

   YLT: “`For the reign of the heavens is like to a man a householder who went forth with the morning to hire workmen for his vineyard ”

   Literal Meaning: “for” shows that the parable here is related to the reward of the kingdom in chapter 19.

  “Who went out early in the morning to hire laborers.” Concerning the working hours of the ancient Jews a day is counted from sunrise------six o’clock in the morning to sunset------six o’clock in the afternoon. Therefore “early in the morning” should be six o’clock in the morning.

   Spiritual Meaning: “a landowner” is God Himself.

  “Early in the morning” There are several kinds of explanations about the earliness and lateness of hire: 1) God hired the prophets in the Old Testament first and then apostles in the New Testament; 2) God hired the Jews first and then the Gentiles; 3) it merely indicates the initial early medium and late period of the dispensation of grace; 4) according to one’s age to be saved it indicates his teenage young age prime of life middle-age and old age.

  “His vineyard” is a yard for grapes. In the Old Testament it usually symbolized that Israel is the realm where God reigned (See Is. 5:1 Jer. 12:10). And in the New Testament vine and branches symbolize Christ and those who are of Him (See John. 15). Therefore “vineyard” symbolizes the fullness of Christ which is the church (See Eph. 1:23) i.e. the reality of the kingdom of heaven; the church is the realm and object of God’s work in the universe.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) God’s work in the universe is to plant the true vine (John. 15:1-2) in another word to make them have life of God and have it more abundantly (John. 10:10).

2) Not only the Holy Trinity work in person (See John. 5:17 16:13) but also He calls men to work with Him (See Is. 6:8 1Cor. 3:9).

 

Matt. 20:2 “Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day he sent them into his vineyard.

   YLT: “and having agreed with the workmen for a denary a day he sent them into his vineyard.”

   Literal Meaning: “a denarius a day” From this verse we could know the present wage and it is said that the wage of a Roman soldier is a denarius a day.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1Cor. 15:58). Anything that we give for the Lord will be remembered by the Lord and there will be reward in future.

2) “He sent them into his vineyard.” All our service and work must be in the church and everything that is out of the church cannot be counted as service or work.

 

Matt. 20:3 “And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace

   YLT: “`And having gone forth about the third hour he saw others standing in the market-place idle ”

   Literal Meaning: “the third hour” is nine o’clock in the morning.

  “Saw others standing idle in the marketplace.” “In the marketplace” is the place for the job-hunters usually to wait; “standing idle” means to have nothing to do. 

   Spiritual Meaning: “the third hour” Considering the age it means the initial period of the dispensation of grace. Considering the time when one is saved it indicates his youth. “In the marketplace” means in the world.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If the work we do “in the market” (the world) is besides Christ and not related to Christ it is only “standing idle” in God’s sight no matter how busy we are.

2) If it is besides the will of God and is not for the increase of the measure of Christ (plant the vineyard) whatever we do is “standing idle” in the Lord’s sight and is barren and unfruitful (2Pet. 1:8)

 

Matt. 20:4 “and said to them You also go into the vineyard and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went.

   YLT: “and to these he said Go ye also ye to the vineyard and whatever may be righteous I will give you;”

   Enlightenment in the Word: “whatever is right I will give you” The word of the Lord is faithful and what the Lord has promised never fail (See 2Cor. 1:20)

 

Matt. 20:5 “Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour and did likewise.

   YLT: “and they went away. `Again having gone forth about the sixth and the ninth hour he did in like manner.”

   Literal Meaning: “about the sixth and the ninth hour ” “the six hour” means twelve o’clock at noon and “the ninth hour” means three o’clock in the afternoon. 

   Spiritual Meaning: “the sixth hour” Concerning the dispensation in indicates the medium term of the dispensation of grace. Concerning the time when one is saved it means his prime of life.

  “The ninth hour” Concerning the dispensation it means a bit later time of the dispensation of grace. Concerning the time when one is saved it indicates his middle age.

  The Lord has called men to do His work from ages and from generations and those who answered the Lord’s calling in different years.

 

Matt. 20:6 “And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle and said to them Why have you been standing here idle all day?'

   YLT: “And about the eleventh hour having gone forth he found others standing idle and saith to them Why here have ye stood all the day idle?”

   Literal Meaning: “about the eleventh hour he went out.” “The eleventh hour” means five o’clock in the afternoon.

   Spiritual Meaning: “the eleventh hour” Concerning the dispensation it means the last period of the dispensation of grace i.e. the last time. Concerning the time when one is saved it indicates his old age.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Someone receives the grace to serve the Lord until his old age though he has stood idle almost his whole life (all day) he still gets the chance to partake in the Lord’s work.

2) God has specially tolerated us the believers in last time so that we could have the chance to be saved before He comes back (See 2Pet. 3:9). Therefore we should work diligently for yet a little while and He that shall come will come and will not tarry (Heb. 10:37).

 

Matt. 20:7 “They said to him Because no one hired us.' He said to them You also go into the vineyard and whatever is right you will receive.'

   YLT: “they say to him Because no one did hire us; he saith to them Go ye ye also to the vineyard and whatever may be righteous ye shall receive.”

   Enlightenment in the Word: The reason why we are called by God is not that we are wiser more capable or stronger than others. It is fully the grace of God (See 1Cor. 1:26-29).

 

Matt. 20:8So when evening had come the owner of the vineyard said to his steward Call the laborers and give them their wages beginning with the last to the first.'

   YLT: “`And evening having come the lord of the vineyard saith to his steward Call the workmen and pay them the reward having begun from the last unto the first.”

   The Background: in ancient time the working environment was unusual and those who were hired temporarily were not assured to still have the working opportunity the next day. Therefore the wage is given after a day’s work. According to the regulations of the Old Testament the wage is given on his day (See Lev. 19:13 Deut. 24:15).

   Literal Meaning: “when evening had come” means that it has past the time of working and it is about six o’clock in the evening.

   Spiritual Meaning: “evening” typifies the time when Christ comes back i.e. the time of the kingdom of a thousand years; “the owner” is the landowner (v.1) i.e. Christ; “his steward” is angel; “give them their wages” means that when the Lord comes back He shall reward each according to his service.

  “Beginning with the last to the first” shows that the reward in the kingdom is different from our natural and commercial concept.

Matt. 20:9 “And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour they each received a denarius.

   YLT: “And they of about the eleventh hour having come did receive each a denary.”

   Spiritual Meaning: the workers who were hired in the eleventh hour only worked one hour and still received the wage of a day. It shows that the reward in the kingdom is not on the basis of men’s work but the Lord’s grace.

 

Matt. 20:10 “But when the first came they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.

   YLT: “`And the first having come did suppose that they shall receive more and they received they also each a denary ”

   Literal Meaning: “they supposed that they would receive more” shows the attitude of the world: the more we pay the more we may receive accordingly. The more we suffer the more wages we may be given.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “They supposed that they would receive more” shows the common fault of believers in service:

    A. The aim of service is not purely for the glory of God but for what one may receive.

    B. Anyone with the motive to gain for himself usually compares to others about what others have received and consequently he will feel discontented.

2) “They each received a denarius”: to those who were hired first it is just; to those who were hired last it is the unlimited grace. However if we know the spiritual value of “a denarius” we will feel that the Lord’s reward greatly exceeds what we are worthy to receive and He has specially shown His grace above righteousness.

 

Matt. 20:11 “And when they had received it they complained against the landowner

   YLT: “and having received [it] they were murmuring against the householder saying ”

Matt. 20:12 “saying These last men have worked only one hour and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.'

   YLT: “that These the last wrought one hour and thou didst make them equal to us who were bearing the burden of the day and the heat.”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “Who have borne the burden and the heat of the day” shows that they feel self-satisfied in service and this situation manifests the wrongness of their intentions (See Gen. 29:20 31:40). If our intention of service is right we shall make merry and rejoice because others have received the reward together.

2) God rewards us not according to our labor but His grace. If we serve the Lord relying on His grace we won’t complain or feel discontented and contrarily we will thank and praise the Lord.

3) If the aim of our service is only for the “wage” we will “complain”. If the aim of service is not purely for the full Christ but one’s own gain one must be easily ensnared and so that he shall fell discontented in spirit.

 

Matt. 20:13 “But he answered one of them and said Friend I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?

   YLT: “`And he answering said to one of them Comrade I do no unrighteousness to thee; for a denary didst not thou agree with me?”

   Meaning of Words: “friend”: fellow comrade (friendly tone).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We not only come short of the glory of God for we have sinned (Rom. 3:23) but also always do God “wrong” in service.

2) Though we always do the Lord wrong the Lord never does us wrong. He won’t do us wrong concerning the reward in future because the Lord is righteous and justice is the foundation of His throne (Ps. 89:14). If He does us little wrong it will sway His authority.  

 

Matt. 20:14 “Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.

   YLT: “take that which is thine and go; and I will to give to this the last also as to thee;”

   Enlightenment in the Word: the Lord is the one who works all things according to the counsel of his own will (Eph. 1:11) and He likes to fully show His grace.

 

Matt. 20:15 “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?'

   YLT: “is it not lawful to me to do what I will in mine own? is thine eye evil because I am good?”

   Meaning of Words: “evil”: the attention of the corrupted mind.

   The Background: “bountiful eye” and “evil eye” are proverbs with which the Jews were familiar (See Prov. 22:9 23:6 28:22).

   Literal Meaning: “is your eye evil?” “Evil eye” indicates that one is malicious because of jealousy.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord “is good” by His lordship and He shows mercy to men according to His own will. The Lord’s grace does not go against His righteousness and His grace exceeds His righteousness. 

2) The Lord is righteous to those who think themselves righteous------“agree me” “I am doing you no wrong” (v.13) and blameless. The Lord is full of grace to those who owe others------“I am good”.

3) I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy and I will feel compassion for whom I will feel compassion (Rom. 9:15).

4) Our eye should not be “evil” to His grace just as we should not question His righteousness.

5) Men’s attitudes are wrong usually because their hearts have some problem and their hearts are evil. 

 

Matt. 20:16 “So the last will be first and the first last. For many are called but few chosen.’”

   YLT: “So the last shall be first and the first last for many are called and few chosen.’”

   Literal Meaning: “the last will be first ” “The last” were the workers who came last; “first” indicates to receive the reward first.

  “The first last” “The first” were the workers who came first; “last” indicates to receive the reward last.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Those who serve last receive the reward first and those who serve first receive the reward last. Therefore receiving the reward is not according to men’s reasoning but the Lord’s will.

2) Those who ran well (Gal. 5:7) may not have a good end. Therefore we should be unremitting from the beginning to the end.

3) Receiving the reward of the kingdom is not according to the length and amount of service but the intention and attitude of service.

4) Those who partake in the service in the church will receive the same reward whether one is first or last.

5) Those who think that they have worked hard and performed a valuable service (“who have borne the burden and the heat of the day” v.12) in the service and they must receive more (“they supposed that they would receive more” v.10) shall be “last”.

6) The Lord appreciate those who serve Him with the hearts of thanksgiving more than those who think that they have worked hard and performed a valuable service. 

 

Matt. 20:17 “Now Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them

   YLT: “And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples by themselves in the way and said to them ”

 

Matt. 20:18Behold we are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death

   YLT: “`Lo we go up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man shall be delivered to the chief priests and scribes ”

   Literal Meaning: “they will condemn Him to death” This shows that the death of Jesus is not the murder in secret. He was condemned and sentenced to death through the open interrogations.

  The disciples thought that the Lord Jesus went up to Jerusalem so as to fulfill the prophecy of the kingdom of Messiah (Zech. 9 Acts. 1:6). They thought that the Lord would reign there and therefore they argued for status among them (v.20-24). However the Lord said that He went up to Jerusalem for death. Unfortunately the disciples had not heard His words. 

 

Matt. 20:19 “and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.’”

   YLT: “and they shall condemn him to death and shall deliver him to the nations to mock and to scourge and to crucify and the third day he will rise again.’”

   The Background: “to crucify” The crucifixion was not the usual cruel torture used by the Jews. It was used to deal with felons (e.g. robber murderer traitor and etc.) by the Roman Empire. They crucified the executed one on the cross with wrought iron spike through wrist and anklebone and made him die from exhaustion. 

   Literal Meaning: “and deliver Him to the Gentiles” “The Gentiles” are the Romans. Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate the Roman governor and then was crucified (See Matt. 27:20-26).

  “To mock and to scourge” Before being crucified Jesus was scourged by Pontius Pilate the Roman governor and He was mocked and scourged by Roman soldiers (See Matt. 27:26-31). 

   Spiritual Meaning: “the chief priests and the scribes” in v.18 represent the Jews indicating men or believers in religious circles; “the Gentiles” in this verse indicate men in political circles or the world. They both would become our suffering and cross.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord guided the disciples all the way and often mentioned the cross to them (See Matt. 16:21 17:23) showing that the Lord’s way was pointing to the cross all the time.

2) If we could surpass the suffering of the cross and see the glory in the resurrection we will joyfully run the way that is set before us fearlessly.

3) There must be suffering before glory (Rom. 8:17); the death before resurrection (1Cor. 15:36). The cross is the way for one to be highly exalted (Pill. 2:8-9). This is the model left by the Lord Jesus for us. 

4) The more sufferings one suffers the more consolations of the Lord he will receive (2Cor. 1:5). The more one is delivered to death the more the Lord’s life of resurrection will be manifested in him (2Cor. 4:11).

 

Matt. 20:20 “Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons kneeling down and asking something from Him.

   YLT: “Then came near to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons bowing and asking something from him ”

   Literal Meaning: “the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons ” “Zebedee’s sons” are James and John (See Matt. 10:2). It is said that their mother was the aunt of Jesus according to the flesh (See John. 19:25 Mark. 15:40 Matt. 27:56).

 

Matt. 20:21 “And He said to her What do you wish?She said to Him Grant that these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right hand and the other on the left in Your kingdom.’”

   YLT: “and he said to her `What wilt thou?’ She saith to him `Say that they may sit these my two sons one on thy right hand and one on the left in thy reign.’”

   Meaning of Words: “grant”: tell say.

   Literal Meaning: she asked the Lord for her two sons to sit on the right and left hand of the Lord which are the status second only to the Lord in the kingdom. It shows that all those who followed the Lord at that time held that He went up to Jerusalem in order to drive away the Romans establish the kingdom of Messiah and reign in glory.

 

Matt. 20:22 “But Jesus answered and said You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They said to Him We are able.’”

   YLT: “And Jesus answering said `Ye have not known what ye ask for yourselves; are ye able to drink of the cup that I am about to drink? and with the baptism that I am baptized with to be baptized?` They say to him `We are able.’”

   Literal Meaning: “the cup that I am about to drink” “Cup” is the inheritance measured by God for us (See Ps. 16:5-6). God sent Jesus into the world to take away the sin of the world and bear the punishments that we are supposed to take (See Is. 53:4-6). Therefore the cup that He was about to drink was the cup of fury of God (See Matt. 26:39 Is. 51:17) i.e. the sufferings of the cross.

  “They said to Him ‘we are able’” They said so because they did not know themselves (See Matt. 26:31 56).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Many times we do not know what we really ask in prayers.

2) If we ask “something” from Him concerning the status the Lord will reprove us that “you do not know what you ask”.

3) The problem that the Lord asked then shows that the status in the kingdom is related to drinking the cup of the Lord. The Lord’s cup that He was about to drink was to obey the will of God the Father (See Matt. 26:39 42) and experience the suffering of the cross.

 

Matt. 20:23 “So He said to them You will indeed drink My cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.’”

   YLT: “And he saith to them `Of my cup indeed ye shall drink and with the baptism that I am baptized with ye shall be baptized; but to sit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give but to those for whom it hath been prepared by my father.’”

   Literal Meaning: “you will indeed drink My cup” They really suffered for the sake of the Lord (See Acts. 12:1 Rev. 1:9).

  “But it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” The Lord on the status of the Son of Man here respected the sovereignty of God the Father and put all in the hand of the Father without His own favor and inclination.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord said that we should drink the cup and the status is given by the Father showing that:

    a) The Lord only sought the will of the Father------He was willing to drink the cup of the cross and disregard of His own gain or loss.

    b) The Lord respected the sovereignty of the Father absolutely and put all in the hand of the Father.

    c) We should know the principle of grace that the status is not the exchange of the cup but the reward of God.  

2) Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God (Acts. 14:22).

 

Matt. 20:24 “And when the ten heard it they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.

   YLT: “And the ten having heard were much displeased with the two brothers ”

   Literal Meaning: this proved that the twelve disciples without exception strived with each other that who should be held to be the greatest (Luke. 22:24). No one of them was willing to make concessions to the others and they were jealousy and angry with each other.

   Enlightenment in the Word: if we live in the flesh we may provoke and envy one another (See Gal. 5:19-21 26).

 

Matt. 20:25 “But Jesus called them to Himself and said You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and those who are great exercise authority over them.

   YLT: “and Jesus having called them near said ‘Ye have known that the rulers of the nations do exercise lordship over them and those great do exercise authority over them ”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The spirit of the world likes to be the greatest exercise authority over others and dominate others.

2) In the earthly kingdom all the status is to rule others.

 

Matt. 20:26 “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you let him be your servant.

   YLT: “but not so shall it be among you but whoever may will among you to become great let him be your ministrant;”

   Meaning of Words: “servant”: deacon minister.

   Literal Meaning: “become great” indicates to be greater than common people.

  “Servant” indicates the worker who serves others.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “Yet it shall not be so among you” The world clings to high status so as to exercise authority over others. This spirit should never be allowed to be infiltrated into the church.

2) In the heavenly kingdom all status is to serve look after edify and shepherd others (1Pet. 5:1-3 Acts. 20:28 Eph. 4:11).

3) Seriously in the kingdom (church) there is no difference in status but there are differences in gifts administrations and operations (Rom. 12:4 1Cor. 12:4-6).

4) In the kingdom the greater one is the less freedom he has. On the other side the more one humbles oneself and suffers the less the will of freedom he has and the greater he will be manifested.

5) “Servant” is the same with “minister” in the original------the minister in the church is service-oriented.

 

Matt. 20:27 “And whoever desires to be first among you let him be your slave--

   YLT: “and whoever may will among you to be first let him be your servant;”

   Literal Meaning: “be first”: foremost; “slave”: a bondman who has lost his decision-making power.

 

Matt. 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.’”

   YLT: “even as the Son of Man did not come to be ministered to but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many.’”

   Literal Meaning: “a ransom for many” In the original the word “a” here is used to stress on the nature of redemption of Christ’s death. “Many ” Christ gave Himself a ransom for all (1Tim. 2:6); the salvation is for “all” but only “few” (i.e. “believers”) have received. According to its usage in the original “ransom” is the money used to redeem slaves. In like manner Christ gave His life as a ransom and released us from the bondage of sin.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “Just as the Son of Man did come” shows that the Lord was not gabbing: only demand others and do not demand Himself. The Lord set a good example with His conduct. Those who are spiritual leaders in the church have to match their words with deeds. 

2) The Lord is originally the greatest however He did not come to be served but to serve and even gave His life to others (Mark. 10:45 Pill. 2:8) so that many will be saved.

3) The Lord wanted us to learn from His example: do not mind status and serve men with whole heart. And our highest and greatest service is to let our “selves” be crucified.

 

Matt. 20:29 “Now as they went out of Jericho a great multitude followed Him.

   YLT: “And they going forth from Jericho there followed him a great multitude ”

   The Background: “now as they went out of Jericho” In the Gospel of Luke it happened when Jesus came nigh unto Jericho (See Luke. 18:35). We mush know the background of the city of Jericho and then we will understand the reason of this discrepancy. There were a new Jericho and an old one at that time. The new was built by Herod the Great and there was a way connecting these two cities. In Matthew it recorded that Jesus went out of the old Jericho and in Luke it recorded that Jesus came nigh unto the new Jericho. Therefore there is no contradiction between these two records.

  Jericho” was the land which has been cursed (See Josh. 6:26).

 

Matt. 20:30 “And behold two blind men sitting by the road when they heard that Jesus was passing by cried out saying Have mercy on us O Lord Son of David!’”

   YLT: “and lo two blind men sitting by the way having heard that Jesus doth pass by cried saying `Deal kindly with us sir Son of David.’”

   Literal Meaning: “two blind men sitting by the road” In the Gospels of Mark and Luke “a blind man” was recorded and in the Gospel of Mark his name “Bartimaeus” was mentioned (See Mark. 10:46 Luke. 18:35). Probably because the attitude of Bartimaes is more positive and he was mentioned in two Gospels. The Gospel of Matthew is to testify that Jesus is the Son of David the Messiah and therefore “two” blind men were mentioned because “two” in the Bible means testimony.

  “The Son of David” is used by the Jews to call the Messiah. They hoped that the Messiah would come save them and remove them from the suffering of the world (See Is. 9:7 Jer. 23:5-6).  

   Spiritual Meaning: shortly after the disciples wanted to be the greatest the book recorded the case that the Lord healed the two blind men. This description has its spiritual meaning. In other words two blind men represent the disciples. Because the disciples were blind they did not know the things of the kingdom of God and strived with each other that who should be held to be the greatest. Here the Lord healed them.

  “Blind” means that one without enlightenment and revelation does not know God and himself. 

  “Sitting by the road”: the life does not grow and it is at a standstill.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Following the Lord is the way for one to be blessed. However men are unable to follow the Lord because of blindness. They cannot choose but sit by the road. This is a picture of men’s state that they are poor in darkness.

2) Thank the Lord! He makes us hear the gospel and know that He is “Jesus” (it means “Jehovah the salvation” and “the salvation of Jehovah” in the original) and the Son of David (it means that He is the coming Messiah). Therefore we cry out to Him.  

3) Though the blind men had not seen the Lord they had “heard” Him and immediately they cried out to the Lord that their eyes may be opened (See v.33). When reading the Bible we may not suddenly receive the enlightenment and understand the Lord’s words. We receive the revelation after we hear the Lord’s words first and cry out to the Lord for enlightenment.

 

Matt. 20:31 “Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more saying Have mercy on us O Lord Son of David!’”

   YLT: “And the multitude charged them that they might be silent and they cried out the more saying `Deal kindly with us sir Son of David.’”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The prayer of seeking the sight usually may be forbidden by men. However the more one is forbidden the more urgently he asks. In this way he will be blessed.

2) If one seeks revelation in prayer one should seek urgently regardless of all the difficulties and blocks. In this way there will be a result.

 

Matt. 20:32 “So Jesus stood still and called them and said What do you want Me to do for you?’”

   YLT: “And having stood Jesus called them and said `What will ye [that] I may do to you?’”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “What do you want Me to do for you?” There must be a clear aim in prayer.

2) Our prayers are usually common aimless. We may ask amiss (James. 4:3) and we do not know what we ask (See v.22) and therefore our prayers cannot be answered.

 

Matt. 20:33 “They said to Him Lord that our eyes may be opened.’”

   YLT: “they say to him `Sir that our eyes may be opened;’”

   Enlightenment in the Word: it is the beginning of running the heavenly way to ask one’s eyes to be opened (2Cor. 4:6 Eph. 1:18 Acts. 26:18).

 

Matt. 20:34 “So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight and they followed Him.

   YLT: “and having been moved with compassion Jesus touched their eyes and immediately their eyes received sight and they followed him.”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Originally the two blind men “sat by the road” (See v.30) their eyes were opened now and then followed the Lord on the way. If one wants to run the way he has to receive sight first.

2) The true “touching” brings in the true “sight” and then the true “sight” brings in the true “following”.

3) Blind ones do not know the preciousness of the Lord and therefore they care about wage and status (See v.12 21). However if one’s eyes of heart are opened he will regard the Lord as excellent suffer the loss of all for Him (Pill. 3:8) and follow the Lord on the way of cross willingly.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Relation among the King the Kingdom and Service

I. The relation between service and the reward of the kingdom of heaven:

A. The Lord called men to work into the kingdom of heaven (v.1-7).

B. When the Lord comes back He will reward each (v.8-16).

II. The relation between service and the status of the kingdom:

  A. The example of the king------He was delivered to mock to scourge and to crucify and He will rise again (v.17-19).

  B. The disciples strived with each other that who should be held to be the greatest (v.20-24).

  C. The status of the kingdom is not to exercise authority but to serve (v.25-28).

III. The true service in the kingdom lies in the opening of the eyes of hearts:

  A. The difficulties of service for men are due to blindness------evil eyes (v.15).

  B. Because of blindness the disciples also strived with each other that who should be held to be the greatest (v.20-24).

  C. One is able to follow the Lord on the way of cross until his eyes are opened (v.29-34).

 

The Example and Warning of the Lord’s Workers

I. Three kinds of workers (v.1-16):

  A. Workers who work for wages------those who were hired “early in the morning”.

  B. Workers who are not particular about wages------those who were hired in “the third hour the sixth and ninth hour”.

  C. Workers who work with thanksgiving------those who were hired in “the eleventh hour”.

II. The example of workers:

  A. He was willing to take up the cross and provide the life of resurrection (v.17-19).

  B. He did not come to be served but to serve (v.28).

III. The warning of workers:

  A. They sought the high status wholeheartedly and did not know themselves (v.20-23).

  B. They did not submit to others and wanted to be great and first instead of servants or slaves of others (v.24-27).

IV. The training of workers (v.29-34):

  A. They confessed that they were blind and only the Lord was able to heal them.

  B. They still cried out unremittingly though they were confronted with blocks.

  C. They were healed by the Lord and received sight and then followed the Lord to the end.

 

The Vineyard------the Work of the Kingdom of Heaven

I. The work of the kingdom of needs men’s cooperation------a landowner hired laborers (v.1-2).

II. The work of the kingdom is so large that a large number of workers are needed------the landowner went out to hire laborers about the third the six the ninth and the eleventh hour (v.1-6).

III. The work of the kingdom has its realm------into the vineyard (v.1 4 7).

IV. There is righteous reward in the kingdom of heaven------they had agreed and the landowner did the workers no wrong (v.2 13).

V. There is unlimited grace in the kingdom of heaven------what I wish…I am good (v. 14-15).

VI. The workers of the kingdom of heaven are like those who run in race-course------the last will be first and the first last (v.16 See 1Cor. 9:24).

 

The Status in the Kingdom of Heaven

I. Those who ask the status in the kingdom of heaven do not know what they ask (v.20-22a).

II. Before receiving the status of the kingdom of heaven one has to drink the “cup” (v.22b-23a).

III. The status of the kingdom of heaven: it is for those for whom it is prepared by the Father (v.23b).

IV. The status in the world is that those who are great exercises authority over those who are low; the status in the kingdom of heaven is not so (v.24-25a).

V. The status of the kingdom of heaven is that whoever desires to be great or first let him be servant and slave for all (v. 25b-27).

VI. The status of the kingdom of heaven is not to be served by others but to serve others (v.28a).

VII. The status of the kingdom of heaven is to “give his life” to serve men (v.28b).

 

Two Blind Men Received Sight

I. The pity of blind men------they sat by the road (v.30).

II. The gospel of blind men------they heard that Jesus was passing by (v.30).

III. The reaction of blind men------they cried out saying (v.30).

IV. The persistence of blind men------they cried out all the more (v.31).

V. The demand of blind men------our eyes may be opened (v.33).

VI. The healing of blind men------Jesus…touched their eyes immediately their eyes received sight (v.34).

VII. The way of blind men------they followed Jesus (v.34).

 

The Reason Why Blind Men Received Mercy

I. They seized the chance------when they heard that Jesus was passing by they cried out saying… (v.30).

II. They disregarded the blocks------the multitude warned them that they should be quiet but they cried all the more saying… (v.31).

III. They asked directly------they said to Him “Lord that our eyes may be opened” (v.33).

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren