Matthew 20

Laborers in the Vineyard

1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius 1 a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And g about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' 7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' 8 And h when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his i foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and j the scorching heat.' 13 But he replied to one of them, k 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take l what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 m Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or n do you begrudge my generosity?' 2 16 So o the last will be first, and the first last."

Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time

17 p And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 "See, q we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will r condemn him to death 19 and s deliver him over to the Gentiles t to be mocked and flogged and u crucified, and he will be raised on v the third day."

A Mother's Request

20 w Then x the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and y kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Say that these two sons of mine z are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, a in your kingdom." 22 Jesus answered, b "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able c to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23 He said to them, d "You will drink e my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, f but it is for those for whom it has been g prepared by my Father." 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, h "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles i lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 j It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 3 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 4 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but k to serve, and l to give his life as a ransom for m many."

Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

29 n And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, 5 have mercy on us, o Son of David!" 31 The crowd p rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" 33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.

  1. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:8
    Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
  2. Cross References
    Leviticus 19:13
    You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.
    Deuteronomy 24:15
    You shall give him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets (for he is poor and counts on it), lest he cry against you to the Lord, and you be guilty of sin.
  3. Cross References
    Luke 8:3
    And Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
    Matthew 24:45
    Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?
  4. Cross References
    Luke 12:55
    And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'There will be scorching heat,' and it happens.
    James 1:11
    For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
  5. Cross References
    Matthew 22:12
    And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
    Matthew 26:50
    Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 25:25
    So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.
  7. Cross References
    Romans 9:15 - 24
    For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.
  8. Cross References
    Matthew 6:23
    But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
    Deuteronomy 15:9
    Take care lest there be an unworthy thought in your heart and you say, 'The seventh year, the year of release is near,' and your eye look grudgingly on your poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cry to the Lord against you, and you be guilty of sin.
    Proverbs 23:6
    Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy; do not desire his delicacies.
  9. Cross References
    Matthew 19:30
    But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
  10. Cross References
    Matthew 20:17 - 19
    And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took...
    Mark 10:32 - 34
    And they were on the road, going up to Jerusale...
    Luke 18:31 - 33
    And taking the twelve, he said to them, "See, w...
    Matthew 16:21 - 28
    From that time Jesus began to show his disciple...
    Matthew 17:12
    But I tell you that Elijah has already come, an...
    Matthew 17:22 - 23
    As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said t...
  11. Cross References
    Matthew 20:17 - 19
    And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them.
    Mark 10:32 - 34
    And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him.
    Luke 18:31 - 33
    And taking the twelve, he said to them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.
  12. Cross References
    Matthew 16:21
    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.
  13. Cross References
    Matthew 26:66
    What is your judgment?" They answered, "He deserves death.
    John 19:7
    The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.
  14. Cross References
    Matthew 27:2
    And they bound him and led him away and deliver...
    John 18:30 - 31
    They answered him, "If this man were not doing ...
    Acts 3:13
    The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the G...
    Acts 2:23
    This Jesus, delivered up according to the defin...
    Acts 4:27
    For truly in this city there were gathered toge...
    Acts 21:11
    And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound...
  15. Cross References
    Matthew 27:26 - 31
    Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
  16. Cross References
    Matthew 26:2
    "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified."
    Luke 24:7
    That the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.
    John 12:32 - 33
    And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
    John 18:32
    This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
  17. Cross References
    Matthew 16:21
    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.
    Matthew 27:63
    And said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.
  18. Cross References
    Matthew 20:20 - 28
    Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.
    Mark 10:35 - 45
    And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.
  19. Cross References
    Matthew 4:21
    And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
    Matthew 27:56
    Among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
  20. Cross References
    Matthew 8:2
    And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.
  21. Cross References
    Matthew 20:20 - 28
    Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.
    Mark 10:35 - 45
    And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.
  22. Cross References
    Matthew 19:28
    Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  23. Cross References
    Matthew 16:28
    Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.
    Matthew 25:31
    When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
    Matthew 25:34
    Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
    Luke 23:42
    And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
  24. Cross References
    Luke 9:33
    And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah" - not knowing what he said.
    Luke 23:34
    And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.
  25. Cross References
    Matthew 26:29
    I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit...
    Matthew 26:42
    Again, for the second time, he went away and pr...
    Mark 14:36
    And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are poss...
    Luke 22:42
    Saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove thi...
    John 18:11
    So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into it...
    Isaiah 51:22
    Thus says your Lord, the Lord, your God who ple...
  26. Cross References
    Romans 8:17
    And if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
    Philippians 3:10
    That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
  27. Cross References
    Acts 12:2
    He killed James the brother of John with the sword.
    Revelation 1:9
    I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
  28. Cross References
    Matthew 19:11
    But he said to them, "Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.
  29. Cross References
    Matthew 25:34
    Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
  30. Cross References
    Matthew 20:25 - 28
    But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
    Matthew 18:1 - 4
    At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
    Luke 22:25 - 27
    And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
  31. Cross References
    1 Peter 5:3
    Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
  32. Cross References
    Matthew 23:11
    The greatest among you shall be your servant.
    Luke 9:48
    And said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.
  33. Cross References
    John 13:4
    Rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.
    John 13:13 - 15
    You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.
    Philippians 2:7
    But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
    2 Corinthians 8:9
    For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
  34. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:10
    Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; h...
    Daniel 9:26
    And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one ...
    John 10:15
    Just as the Father knows me and I know the Fath...
    John 11:51 - 52
    He did not say this of his own accord, but bein...
    Romans 4:25
    Who was delivered up for our trespasses and rai...
    Galatians 1:4
    Who gave himself for our sins to deliver us fro...
    Galatians 2:20
    I have been crucified with Christ. It is no lon...
    1 Timothy 2:6
    Who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is ...
    Titus 2:14
    Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all l...
    1 Peter 1:18 - 19
    Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ...
  35. Cross References
    Matthew 26:28
    For this is my blood of the covenant, which is ...
    Isaiah 53:11 - 12
    Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and...
    Hebrews 2:10
    For it was fitting that he, for whom and by who...
    Hebrews 9:28
    So Christ, having been offered once to bear the...
    Romans 5:15
    But the free gift is not like the trespass. For...
    Revelation 5:9
    And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are y...
  36. Cross References
    Matthew 20:29 - 34
    And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him.
    Mark 10:46 - 52
    And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.
    Luke 18:35 - 43
    As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
    Matthew 9:27 - 31
    And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David.
  37. Cross References
    Matthew 20:29 - 34
    And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him.
    Mark 10:46 - 52
    And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.
    Luke 18:35 - 43
    As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
  38. Cross References
    Matthew 21:9
    And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
    Matthew 22:42
    Saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The son of David.
    Matthew 1:1
    The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  39. Cross References
    Matthew 19:13
    Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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