Matthew 20:1-28

Big idea

God's kingdom is like a master who gives equal pay to all workers, regardless of how long they worked.

Simple summary

Jesus tells the parable of the master and his vineyard to teach about God's kingdom. He explains that the last will be first and the first will be last. Jesus also warns his disciples about what is going to happen in Jerusalem.

Explain it simply

• Imagine you're working for a boss who owns a big garden. He hires people to help him pick grapes, but he doesn't care how long they've been working.
• The boss pays everyone the same amount of money, even if some workers only worked for one hour and others worked all day.
• Jesus is saying that God's kingdom works in a similar way. Everyone gets treated equally, no matter what they do or when they start working.
• But Jesus also warns his disciples that he will be arrested, beaten, and killed in Jerusalem. He says this will happen on the third day, but don't worry, it's all part of God's plan.
• Jesus is teaching his disciples to be humble and serve others, just like he does.

Outline

• Introduction
• Methodology

Takeaways

• God's kingdom is about treating everyone equally, no matter what they do. (from: Introduction, The last will be first, and the first last.)
• Jesus will suffer and die in Jerusalem, but he will rise again on the third day. (from: See, we are going up to Jerusalem..., He will be raised on the third day.)

Glossary

• Kingdom of heaven: God's kingdom on earth, where everyone lives in harmony with each other and God.
• Vineyard: A garden or field where grapes are grown for wine.

Reflection questions

• How do you think God's kingdom would work if everyone was treated equally?
• What does it mean to serve others, like Jesus does?
• How can you apply what Jesus is teaching his disciples to your own life?