Matthew 20: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 20 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The parable of the workers describes a master of a household who hires laborers for his vineyard throughout the day. Those hired in the morning agree to a denarius a day. When evening comes, all workers, regardless of when they were hired, receive a denarius.

Key verse

“So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 20:16 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 20:1–16 The Parable of the Workers
Matthew 20:17–19 Jesus Predicts His Death Again
Matthew 20:20–23 The Request of James and John
Matthew 20:24–28 Teaching on Servanthood
Matthew 20:29–34 Healing Two Blind Men

Discussion questions

In v3, why does the master go out to hire laborers at the 'third hour'?
In vv. 9-10, why do the first laborers expect to receive more than a 'denarius'?
James and John's request in v21: what does it suggest about their understanding of true greatness?
In v25-26, what is the tension between worldly authority and the teaching of servanthood?
When have you felt overlooked like the laborers hired at the 'eleventh hour'?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 20: Mark 10, Isaiah 53, Luke 22.

Before next time: read Matthew 21.