Question 1

What does the parable of the labourers in the vineyard teach about God?

Accepted Answer

The parable shows that God is like the owner of the vineyard. He goes out again and again to call people into His work, even at the last hour. Everyone who answers His call receives the same “penny,” a picture of His full and sufficient reward. The first workers complain, but the owner reminds them he has done them no wrong and may do what he wants with his own. This teaches that God is not in debt to anyone. He gives by grace, not by human ideas of fairness or merit.

Question 2

Why do all the workers receive the same wage, even those hired at the eleventh hour?

Accepted Answer

All the workers receive the same wage to show that God’s gift does not depend on how long or how hard someone has worked, but on His kindness. Those who worked all day got exactly what they agreed to. Those who came late trusted the owner’s promise to give “whatsoever is right,” and he gave them the same penny. This picture comforts those who come to faith later in life and warns us not to envy others, but to be thankful for any place in God’s vineyard.

Question 3

What does Jesus mean when he says, "the last shall be first, and the first last"?

Accepted Answer

Here Jesus is correcting proud thoughts about reward and status. The first workers thought they deserved more because they had worked longer. Jesus teaches that in God’s kingdom, those who seem last or least in people’s eyes may be honored, while those who think they are first can find themselves last. It reminds us that grace overturns human ideas of rank. We should not boast in how long we have served, but stay humble, glad that God has called us at all.

Question 4

Why does Jesus predict his betrayal, death, and resurrection on the way to Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

Jesus tells the disciples very plainly what is about to happen so they will not be crushed when they see it. He says he will be betrayed to the chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, handed to the Gentiles, mocked, scourged, and crucified, and that on the third day he will rise again. By warning them ahead of time, he shows that his suffering is no accident but part of God’s plan, and that the shame of the cross is the path to resurrection life.

Question 5

Why does the mother of Zebedee’s sons ask for her sons to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand?

Accepted Answer

The mother, along with her sons, is thinking of Jesus’ kingdom in terms of honor and high positions. She wants James and John to have the best seats of power. Jesus answers that they do not know what they are asking. To share his glory means sharing his sufferings, pictured as drinking his cup and being baptized with his baptism. Seats at his right and left are not given by favoritism, but are prepared by the Father. This exposes how easily even sincere followers can mix faith with ambition.

Question 6

What does Jesus teach about true greatness when the disciples are angry with James and John?

Accepted Answer

When the other disciples become upset with James and John, Jesus gathers them and contrasts worldly rulers with life in his kingdom. Among the nations, great people “exercise dominion” and “authority.” Jesus says it must not be so with them. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant, and whoever wants to be chief must be a slave of all. He points to himself as the pattern: the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Question 7

What does it mean that Jesus came to give his life a ransom for many?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says he will give his life a ransom for many, he is explaining the purpose of his death. A ransom is the price paid to free someone. Here it pictures Jesus offering his own life in the place of others, so they can be set free. His death is not just a tragic end, but a willing act of service. This shows that salvation is a gift bought by him, not earned by us. It also shapes how believers think about service: real love costs something and often means laying ourselves down for others.

Question 8

Why did the two blind men call Jesus "Son of David," and what does their healing show?

Accepted Answer

The two blind men sit by the road near Jericho and, when they hear Jesus is passing, call out, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.” By using this title, they are recognizing him as the promised king from David’s line. Even when the crowd tells them to be quiet, they cry out all the more. Jesus stops, calls them, asks what they want, and heals them in compassion. Their healing shows his power and mercy, and also that those who know they are needy and cry for mercy are heard and helped.

Question 9

How can this passage about workers, greatness, and healing apply to my life today?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites you to see yourself as one of the workers in the vineyard, called by grace, not by worth. It calls you to lay down envy and comparison and to trust God’s goodness in how He deals with you and others. It also challenges your view of success: in Jesus’ eyes, greatness is serving, not climbing over others. Finally, the blind men encourage you to come honestly to Jesus with your needs, keep calling on him even when others do not understand, and follow him once he has shown you mercy.

Matthew 20:1

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

The Parable of the Workers

The Third Prediction of the Passion

A Mother’s Request

The Blind Men by the Road

The Parable of the Workers

Cross References

Matthew 20:1

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

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The Parable of the Workers

The Third Prediction of the Passion

A Mother’s Request

The Blind Men by the Road

The Parable of the Workers

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