Matthew 20:22   Jesus was referring to the suffering he would endure, and the death he would undertake. James and John did not understand at this time exactly what he was referring to with this ‘cup and baptism’ statement. However, we need not unduly attack them for saying that they were able to do this. Jesus started…

Matthew 20:21   Though we may think that this was terrible for these persons to ask, it does show their desire to be a part of all that Christ has planned for the future. Though it seems that they wanted nothing more than great privilege, surely they realized such positions were those of great responsibility as well.…

Matthew 20:20   It seems that the mother of James and John was not alone in this petition. The two disciples also desired this of Christ. Indeed, they may have put their mother up to it. Where Zebedee is in all of this is not known. He may have been dead, which seems likely. Others have suggested…

Matthew 20:19   Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen. Though many may try to deny this, Jesus’ words here are quite specific. Some might say that Matthew could have filled these details in later. However, the fact that this is even included in the gospel record attests to its veracity. Those concerned about being discredited…

Matthew 20:18   We may well wonder why Jesus even told his disciples what was going to happen. Surely he knew that they would not completely understand. However, he loved them, and he knew they would understand later. And, he knew they would write all this down later, and that they would write down the fact that…

Matthew 20:17   There were some things that Jesus shared only with his disciples. God’s truth is for all. However, everybody will not believe or understand everything. Even the disciples, who had been around Jesus for several years, did not understand well. Those who seek to serve Christ will be the recipients of the illumination of the…

Matthew 20:16   The bottom line is here expressed. God doesn’t do things the way we do them. Many are called in that many hear the gospel, but few are chosen in that many turn away without accepting the invitation of Christ. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-15:58 Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of…

Matthew 20:15   The master of the house had every right to do as he had. The money was his. None could say they received less than what they had agreed upon. The master was justly upset that these workers would accuse him of impropriety.    The idea of having an evil eye carries with it the idea of jealousy.…

Matthew 20:14   It seems that the master of the house dismissed these first ones from his service. He tells them to go their way, implying that they need not come again to him for work since they would be unhappy with the wages. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9:27 Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:19 “And we know…

Matthew 20:13   There was no ill will here. The master of the house had no intention of slighting anyone. He paid exactly what was agreed upon. The first were paid by contract. He had agreed specifically with them for an exact amount. The others had agreed to work on the promise that the master would…