Wednesday, May 14 – Luke 19, Matthew 20 – Additional Reading: The Desire of Ages, Chapters 60 and 61

1. In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, what was the complaint of those hired first? (Matthew 20:10–12)

2. What did the mother of the sons of Zebedee ask of Jesus? (Matthew 20:20–21)

3. How did people criticize Jesus for going to eat at Zacchaeus’s house? (Luke 19:7)

Today, we are reading about the events and teachings related to Jesus’ final return to Jerusalem. The accounts in today’s chapters take place in or near Jericho. The purpose of the journey was to go to Bethany because of the death of Lazarus and to attend the Passover feast in Jerusalem, which would mark the final week of His ministry.

“It was Jesus’ conversation with the rich young ruler (ch. 19:16–22) and His subsequent discussion with the disciples that led to the narration of the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. In fact, the parable specifically illustrates the truth stated in ch. 19:30, a truth that is repeated at the close of the parable by way of emphasis (ch. 20:16). This repetition immediately preceding and following the narration of the parable emphasizes the lesson the parable was designed to teach (see COL 390).” SDA Bible Commentary, Matthew 20:1

“This parable was addressed to the disciples in response to their query, “What shall we have therefore?” (ch. 19:27)” SDA Bible Commentary, Matthew 20:1

“Lest the disciples should lose sight of the principles of the gospel, Christ related to them a parable illustrating the manner in which God deals with His servants, and the spirit in which He desires them to labor for Him.” — Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 396

“In the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard Jesus sets forth the manner in which God deals with those who devote their service to Him and the basis on which they will be rewarded (see COL 396). The parable teaches that they will receive neither more nor less than others, for the citizens of the kingdom of heaven are all equal.” — SDA Bible Commentary, Matthew 20:1

Furthermore, the parable illustrates that God’s grace extends equally to all. This lesson shows that Dismas, the thief on the cross, will receive the same reward as Peter, who devoted his entire life to serving God.
“‘Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’” (Matthew 20:13–15)

I see a subtle connection between the parable of the vineyard workers and the request made by the mother of the sons of Zebedee on behalf of her sons. Jesus knew this spirit lingered among His disciples. As the disciples did, those who seek the highest positions in God’s Kingdom reveal their lack of understanding of God’s plan and true purpose.

Surprisingly, after such a profound announcement about His death, James and John still had the audacity to ask for an important place in the Kingdom. There was a significant disconnect between the disciples and Jesus at this moment. In His response regarding the “baptism” and the “cup,” which refer to His suffering and death, He gently rebukes their insensitivity and selfishness: “You do not know what you are asking.”

We find a parallel between Matthew’s conversion at the start of Jesus’ ministry and Zacchaeus’s near the end. Both were despised tax collectors. Jesus reached out to both; they held celebrations in their homes and faced criticism, and in both instances, Jesus rebuked the critics and reaffirmed His mission to seek out sinners. Zacchaeus’s story illustrates that even close to the cross, Jesus maintained His focus.

Notably, near His crucifixion, He reaffirms His mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
The disciples and the critics showed a limited understanding of God’s purpose in sending His Son. He was not sent to establish an earthly kingdom or to isolate Himself with His people, separated from sinners. Jesus’ teachings and actions in these final days reveal that His Kingdom is not of this world and that the mission of His followers is not to reject or distance themselves from sinners but to reach out to them with the gospel.

As we near the events that mark the conclusion of Jesus’ ministry, I pray that the Holy Spirit will help us clearly understand the purpose of Jesus’ ministry and mission: to seek and to save.

May God grant you a richly blessed day.