Seminaries and Institutes
Matthew 20: Jesus Again Defines Greatness

“Matthew 20: Jesus Again Defines Greatness,” New Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2003)

“Matthew 20,” New Testament Student Study Guide

Matthew 20

Jesus Again Defines Greatness

Do you like to feel important? What helps you feel important? Recognition? A position of leadership? Money? Success? The Pharisees of Jesus’ day thought they were very important. The reasons why they thought so are similar to the ways people define greatness and who or what is important today. As you read Matthew 20, however, be aware of what Jesus did and said that helps us understand what is important and what greatness is in His kingdom. It may also be helpful to realize that what was said and done in Matthew 20 was in the last month—perhaps even the last two weeks—before Jesus was crucified.

Other Accounts of What You Read in Matthew 20

Matthew 20:17–34—Mark 10:32–52; Luke 18:31–43

Studying the Scriptures

Do either activity A or B as you study Matthew 20.

  1. The Parable of the Laborers

    The parable in Matthew 20:1–16 seems to be in response to the conversation Jesus had with Peter at the end of Matthew 19. Peter had asked about what his reward would be for the sacrifice he felt he made to serve in the kingdom. Notice that the parable ends in much the same way Matthew 19 ends.

    1. Make a chart in your notebook like the one below. Fill it in with information you learn in Matthew 20:1–16.

      The hour the laborers were hired

      How much the man agreed to pay them

      Hours worked

      How much they were actually paid

    2. What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom?

    3. What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?

  2. How You Can Become Great

    In Matthew 20:20–28 we read what Jesus said after the mother of James and John asked Him if her sons could have an important place in the kingdom of God.

    1. Choose what you think are three of the most important words or phrases in the Savior’s response to her request and explain why you chose each word or phrase.

    2. List examples from Matthew 20:17–19, 28–34 of how the Savior showed the kind of greatness He spoke of.