The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16
Understand It
- To what situation did Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven? (20:1)
- Who was the central character in this parable? (20:1)
- What did the landowner go out and do? (20:1)
- What wages were agreed upon by the landowner and his hired hands? (20:2)
- In the parable, what happened at about 9:00 a.m.? (20:3)
- What wage was agreed upon between the landowner and his workers? (20:4)
- How many additional times did the landowner go out and hire workers? (20:5-6)
- What explanation did the last group of workers give when asked why they were standing around doing nothing? (20:7)
- What happened to the last group of workers? (20:7)
- What did the landowner tell his foreman at the end of the day? (20:8)
- What wages did the workers hired at the eleventh hour receive? (20:9)
- What did the landowner pay to the men who worked all day? (20:10)
- How did the workers respond to the landowner’s system of payment? (20:11-12)
- What rationale did the landowner give for his actions? (20:13-15)
Apply It
- What can you do today to help someone who needs God’s grace begin to understand the love of God?
- In what way can you say thank you to God every day this week for his amazing grace in your life?
- In what way could you help a new Christian get oriented to life in the Master’s kingdom sometime in the next month?
Jesus Again Predicts His Death - Matthew 20:17-19
Understand It
- Who was traveling with Jesus at this time? (20:17)
- Where was Christ going when He spoke of His death for the third time? Why? (20:17-18)
- How can you tell that the disciples weren’t sure what lay ahead? (20:17-18)
- What title did Jesus use to refer to Himself? (20:18)
- To whom did Jesus say He would be betrayed? (20:18)
- What did Jesus say the chief priests and teachers of the law would ultimately do? (20:18)
- Who did Jesus say would kill Him? (20:19)
- What pain and shame did Jesus predict for Himself before the actual crucifixion? (20:19)
- What did Jesus say would happen three days after His death? (20:19)
- When would Jesus be raised from the dead? (20:19)
Apply It
- What can you do this week to come to a greater appreciation for the death of Christ?
- What can you do to say thank you to Christ for suffering for you?
A Mother's Request - Matthew 20:20-28
Understand It
- Who came to Jesus? Why? (20:20)
- What favor did James and John’s mother ask Jesus? (20:21)
- How did Jesus respond to the request that James and John get special treatment? (20:22)
- What curious question did Jesus ask James and John? (20:22)
- How did James and John answer Jesus’ cryptic question? (20:22)
- What did Jesus promise James and John? (20:23)
- What did Jesus refuse to promise James and John? (20:23)
- According to Jesus, who will decide the positions of honor and authority in the kingdom of God? (20:23)
- What was the reaction of the other disciples to this whole dialogue? (20:24)
- Whose leadership style did Jesus condemn? (20:25)
- How did Jesus define leadership? (20:26-27)
- What did Jesus say was His mission in life? (20:28)
Apply It
- What three acts can you do today in service to others?
- What is one specific way you could build unity among your circle of Christian friends this week?
A Mother's Request - Matthew 20:20-28
Understand It
- Who came to Jesus? Why? (20:20)
- What favor did James and John’s mother ask Jesus? (20:21)
- How did Jesus respond to the request that James and John get special treatment? (20:22)
- What curious question did Jesus ask James and John? (20:22)
- How did James and John answer Jesus’ cryptic question? (20:22)
- What did Jesus promise James and John? (20:23)
- What did Jesus refuse to promise James and John? (20:23)
- According to Jesus, who will decide the positions of honor and authority in the kingdom of God? (20:23)
- What was the reaction of the other disciples to this whole dialogue? (20:24)
- Whose leadership style did Jesus condemn? (20:25)
- How did Jesus define leadership? (20:26-27)
- What did Jesus say was His mission in life? (20:28)
Apply It
- What three acts can you do today in service to others?
- What is one specific way you could build unity among your circle of Christian friends this week?
