RSV ~ Matthew 20 Notes

Mt 20:1-16 | ISB Notes

The parable of the Householder highlights God’s generosity (20:15). It refers to Israel’s labor throughout salvation history and climaxes with the inclusion of the Gentiles in the New Covenant. Despite complaints, there is no violation of justice; God is not unfair to Israel, he is simply generous to late-coming Gentiles, making them equal members of his people (20:12; Eph 2:11-13).

• Morally (Origen): the hours of the workday correspond to stages in life when people turn to God. When converted, they are rescued from idle living to serve Christ in his vineyard, where they harvest much fruit for God before the sun sets on their earthly life. Whether converted early in life or later, all are awarded the generous and equal gift of eternal life.

Mt 20:1 | ISB Notes

early in the morning: The day was divided into four nighttime “watches” and several daytime “hours” (6 A.M. to 6 P.M.). The early laborers begin around 6 A.M., and those hired at the “third” (9 A.M.; 20:3), “sixth” (noon; 20:5), and “ninth” (3 P.M.; 20:5) hours each agree to a fair wage. The group hired at the “eleventh hour” (5 P.M.; 20:6) only work about one hour since the Law commanded that workers receive their wages by sundown (Deut 24:14-15).

Mt 20:17-19 | ISB Notes

Jesus’ third Passion prediction is detailed. Unlike in the previous ones (16:21; 17:22-23), he foresees the collaboration of Jewish leaders (20:18) with Roman authorities (20:19) in bringing about his death by means of crucifixion (20:19).

Mt 20:20 | ISB Notes

the sons of Zebedee: James and John (4:21). Along with Peter, they form a privileged inner circle of Jesus’ disciples (17:1; 26:37; Mk 5:37).

Mt 20:22 | ISB Notes

drink the chalice: An OT metaphor that describes God’s wrath poured upon the wicked (Ps 75:8; Is 51:17; Jer 25:15). Here it denotes Jesus’ Passion endured for sinners (20:28; 26:39; 1 Pet 2:24). James and John are assured (20:23) a share in this Passion, a prediction partially fulfilled with the martyrdom of James in Acts 12:2.

Mt 20:30 | ISB Notes

two blind men: One of them was Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus (Mk 10:46).

Son of David: The title may reflect an early belief that the Messiah would possess powers of healing and exorcism, as did the original son of David, King Solomon. See note on Mt 12:23.