God’s Economy Isn’t Our Economy 

Matthew 20:1-19

The Question – Matt.19:27

The Response/ Warning – Matt.19:30-20:16

The Example – Matt.20:17-19

The Question – Matt.19:27

“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Matt 19:30

Ch.16: Caesarea Philippi (far North Israel)

KEY POINT: vs. 21:  “From that time on….”

Jesus began to explain to His disciples about what He had to suffer and He would raise on the 3rd day. Things are ramping up towards these events. 

“From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Matt.16:21

Ch.17: Transfiguration (w/ Peter, James, John)

KEY POINT: Vs. 22-23: In Galilee second discussion of His death & resurrection.

“As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.” Matt. 17:22-23

Ch.18: In Capernaum (Moving South): Disciples ask “Who is the greatest in Heaven?”

KEY POINT: Jesus uses a little child as an example

Vs. 2-4

And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Ch.19: Jesus went to the region of Judea to the East side of the Jordan. (Moving South again)

KEY POINT: Vs. 13-15: “For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” (referencing little children)

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:14

The Response/ Warning – Matt.19:30-20:16

Other Kingdom of Heaven is Like Parables

Matthew (12 parables with this theme)

Wheat and Tares: Matt 13:24

Mustard Seed: Matt 13:31 

Leaven: Matt 13:33 

Hidden Treasure: Matt 13:44 

Pearl of Great Price: Matt 13:45 

Drag Net: Matt 13:47 

Householder/New and Old Treasure: Matt 13:51 

Unforgiving Servant: Matt 18:23 

Workers in the Vineyard: Matt 20:1

Wedding Banquet: Matt 22:2 

Ten Virgins: Matt 25:1 

Talents: Matt 25:14

Matt 20:1-16 Parable Breakdown: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is Like….’ 

Master of the House = God/Jesus

Vineyard = God’s Kingdom

Work = Tasks that God calls those in His Kingdom to do.

Went out = the Master of the House goes out to “hire”/ get the workers. 

The marketplace = the world

1st Group = Early morning = before 9am

Denarius = A days wages (Roman soldiers also paid 1 danarius per day – Study Bible note)

2nd Group = 9am – “Pay whatever is Right”

3rd Group = 12noon “Pay whatever is Right”

4th Group = 3pm “Pay whatever is Right”

5th Group = 5pm “Go and work in my vineyard”

Evening = 6pm:  Workers called in for payment.  Started with the 5th Group to the 1st Group

The Example – Matt.20:17-19

Lessons & Applications