Matthew 20 Verses 1-28 reveals one of the most powerful kingdom truths Jesus ever taught – the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. In this passage, Christ explains the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, exposes ambition in the hearts of His disciples, and redefines greatness through servanthood. These verses show that God is sovereign, rewards according to His will, and measures greatness by humility, suffering, and surrender.
GOSPEL OF MATTHEW BIBLE STUDY SERIES
This study of Matthew: The Last Shall Be First Understanding Matthew 20 Verses 1-28 is part of a verse-by-verse teaching series through the Gospel of Matthew.
Previous: Matthew 19 verses 13-30 – Rich Young Ruler & Eternal Life
Next: Matthew 21 Verses 1-17 – Triumphal Entry & Temple Cleansing
What Does Matthew 20 Verses 1-28 Teach?
Matthew 20 Verses 1-28 teaches that God is sovereign in His kingdom, that reward is determined by His will, and that true greatness comes through humility and servanthood. In this passage, Jesus explains the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, confronts ambition among His disciples, and reveals that the way up in the kingdom of God is down. The last shall be first, not because of effort, but because God measures greatness differently than men.
The Main Theme of Matthew 20 Verses 1-28
Our God is sovereign. We need to understand His sovereignty. The way we get close to the Lord is by climbing down, not up. The greatest in the kingdom of God are last. It is inverted greatness. On the way down, there will be suffering. It’s a cup we must drink to be great in His kingdom.
The Last Shall Be First – Understanding Matthew 20 Verses 1-28
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Scriptures used in this sermon
- Matthew 23:11–12, Matthew 20:1–7, Matthew 19:25–26, Matthew 19:27–29, Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, Acts 3:21, Matthew 20:8-10, Matthew 20:11-16, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Isaiah 45:9, Psalm 115:3, Luke 18:34, Jeremiah 25:11, Daniel 9:2, 1 Corinthians 15:51–53, Matthew 20:20-21, Matthew 20:22–23, Matthew 20:24-28, Ephesians 2:20,
Understanding Matthew 20 Verses 1-28
I have 28 verses here because I could not draw as much revelation from the first part as we usually do. So I moved further into the passage. Let me give you the introduction and outline, then I will explain my dilemma.
In today’s lesson, I show that the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Those who think they should be first may discover they are last. God is sovereign. He does what He will with His own (Matthew 19:30; Matthew 20:16).
Do you believe that? Amen. Could the Lord do anything He wanted with Jonah? Was Jonah a prophet of God? If I am His servant, then He can do anything He wants with me. Does He own you? Can the Lord do anything He wants with you? That is true if you go along with what He desires. God is sovereign. That is the main emphasis I am hearing in the Spirit today. We need to look at it closely.
As they were going toward Jerusalem, the mother of James and John came to Jesus with her sons. She asked for greatness for her sons without understanding what she was asking (Matthew 20:20–21). Many say they want to be great in the kingdom. Do they really? That sets the hook. Could they drink His cup? Can we (Matthew 20:22)?
The other ten became angry. They were not upset because the two were wrong. They were angry because the others wanted greatness too (Matthew 20:24). Jesus made it clear that the way up in the kingdom is down. True greatness comes through humility and service (Matthew 23:11–12; Matthew 20:26–27).
Matthew 23:11–12
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
What is the way up in the kingdom? Down. That is my main emphasis tonight. It may be the only strong truth I feel I have to give you. I almost went back to last week because it was rich and addressed why we are still under the law. Instead, I moved forward. Some good truths will still come out. Yet I must be honest. I did not receive much revelation in the first several verses.
Chapter 20 is divided into four parts. The first is the parable of the laborers in the vineyard – the last shall be first and the first last (Matthew 20:1–16). The second is Christ’s third instruction about His crucifixion and passion (Matthew 20:17–19). The third is the request of James and John and their mother (Matthew 20:23–28). The fourth is the healing of the two blind men at Jericho (Matthew 20:29–34).
The Parable of the Laborers in Matthew 20 Verses 1-16
So we begin with the parable of the last and the first. I will read large sections. Let us read the first seven verses together. We are reading from the King James. Read out loud with me.
Matthew 20:1–7
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.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
He agreed with the laborers for a day’s wage and sent them into his vineyard. Then he went out at the third hour and hired more laborers. He did the same at the sixth and ninth hours. At the eleventh hour, he found more standing idle and asked why they had not worked. They said no man had hired them. He sent them to work as well and promised to give what was right. Those first seven verses must be understood before we can grasp the rest. This continues from chapter 19. Open your Bible there so we can see what Jesus is addressing.
Why this Parable?
He did not begin this parable without reason. Something brought it on. Last week we talked about the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16–22). He was told he must sell everything. If someone asked today how to be saved, what would we say? Jesus said keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). The young ruler asked what he must do to be saved. Jesus did not say, “Pray after me.” He said keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). The man claimed he had done that. Then he asked what he must do to be perfect. Jesus told him to be perfect; he needed to sell what he had, give to the poor, and follow Him (Matthew 19:21). The man went away sorrowful (Matthew 19:22).
The disciples then asked who could be saved (Matthew 19:25).
Matthew 19:25–26
25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Jesus said that with man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Then Peter spoke up. He said we have done what you told the rich young ruler to do. We have forsaken all. We have followed you. What will we receive for it (Matthew 19:27)?
Matthew 19:27–29
27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
If Jesus told you that, how would you feel? You would feel good. You would think you had a throne. He promised them a throne, and we need to hold on to that because we will return to it later.
He also said that anyone who has forsaken houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or lands for His name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit everlasting life (Matthew 19:29). That is the promise. Then He said many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first (Matthew 19:30).
Matthew 19:30
30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Look down at chapter 20:16, you will see a similar statement.
Matthew 20:16
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Between Matthew 19:30 and Matthew 20:16 lies the secret of the first being last and the last being first (Matthew 19:30; Matthew 20:16). It is a bit unclear what the Lord meant. However, I know there is something wonderful there. We want to uncover it today.
We were praying one morning at the other building, and the discussion came up. It was suggested that this speaks of salvation. I said I believe it goes beyond salvation. Everyone who enters the kingdom receives salvation. That cannot be the issue because all receive it. The men in the parable were upset because others received the same. So I know it goes deeper.
In the parable, the householder – who represents God – goes out five times to hire laborers (Matthew 20:1–7). He sends them into the vineyard at different hours of the day. When evening comes, all receive the same wage (Matthew 20:8–12). Those who worked all day complain because those who worked one hour receive the same pay. Then comes the statement that the last shall be first and the first last (Matthew 20:16). I did see important principles.
God’s Sovereignty in Matthew 20 Verses 1-28
One clear truth is that the householder represents God in a kingdom parable. John 6:44 and John 6:65 teach that no one can come unless the Father draws him. That confirms the householder’s sovereignty.
The Father goes into the marketplace and sends into His vineyard whoever He wants (Matthew 20:1–7). That is the first thing I want us to see. He sent me because He chose to send me. If I give myself to Him, He can do whatever He wants with me. He can pay me whatever He wants to pay me. If He pays you more, that is His choice. If He pays me more, that is His choice. I am here because He sent me. He hired me. I belong to Him.
The day in this parable speaks to me of the church age. At its dawning, the Father sent laborers. Throughout the church age, He continues to send laborers. The five times mentioned may not be literal. I see them as pictures of different seasons in the dispensation of the church, or as five millennia. Through each season, the Father sends fresh laborers, fresh word, fresh vision, and fresh revelation.
I could see the first-century church, AD 33 to AD 100, as daybreak. The Dark Ages from AD 100 to AD 1500 resemble the nine o’clock hour when new workers were sent. The Protestant Reformation from AD 1500 to AD 1900 looks like the noon hour. The Pentecostal renewal from AD 1900 to AD 1950 fits the three o’clock hour.
So I ask what hour we are living in now. I believe we are in the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21).
Acts 3:21
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
I believe someone is about to receive rewards. I believe that day is coming. The sun is setting on this age and generation. The Father will call His laborers to receive what He has promised. Yet I see again that the householder is sovereign. He sends when He desires. He sends whom He desires.
Matthew 20:8-10
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
When evening came, it was time to reward the laborers (Matthew 20:8–10). The ones who came at the eleventh hour were paid first. I do not fully understand what that means. I have thoughts, but I am not settled. More revelations will come in time. I could offer symbolism and number meanings, but I did not sense that it was the Spirit’s emphasis. I felt led to draw one clear truth and leave the rest until the Lord opens it further.
Murmuring and the Justice of God in Matthew 20 Verses 1-28
Matthew 20:11-16
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
The laborers murmured (Matthew 20:11). You know how I feel about murmuring. I am not satisfied with everything I see in this passage, so I am leaving parts of it alone for now. Still, I want to focus on what the householder said – friend, I do thee no wrong, didst not thou agree with me for a penny (Matthew 20:13).
The word “penny” in verse 13 is the Greek word denarion. We say denarius. A denarius was a day’s wage. He tells the laborer to take what is his and go his way. Then he says he will give to the last even as to the first, and asks, is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own (Matthew 20:14–15).
The Lord is Sovereign
That is what I am seeing in this parable. God can do whatever He wants. He is sovereign. If He pays one a penny and another a million, that is His choice. If He pays both the same, that is His right. What I am drawing from this is simple – God can do what He wants with what belongs to Him.
I have been looking closely at the sovereignty of God. I believe this parable centers on that truth. If the Lord owns us, then He can reward us as He desires (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Some may think that because they have been around longer, worked harder, or endured more heat, they deserve more. That is not how God the Father operates. He will do what He wants with His own. That is what I see in this passage.
I want us to look at God’s sovereignty. If there were something deeper I was to uncover here, I believe the Spirit would have shown it. What I did see is that He can do whatever He wants with what belongs to Him. The question is this – how many of us truly belong to Him? Once we settle that, we understand that He has the right to deal with us as He chooses.
We can grumble and complain like the laborers did (Matthew 20:11–12). We can argue that it is not fair. Still, if we belong to Him, He can do what He wills. Scripture affirms that truth (Isaiah 45:9; Psalm 115:3).
Isaiah 45:9
9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Psalm 115:3
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Many of our doctrines and theologies do not line up with this truth. They did not understand it either. There came a point when they were even afraid to ask. All that is recorded is that they did not understand what was being said. You can see that clearly in Luke 18:34.
Luke 18:34
34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
The parallel account in Luke 18:34 shows that it was hidden from them. I ask why it was hidden. Was it in the Word? Was it in the Scriptures? Yes, it was. It was there just as Daniel had spoken of the seventy years of Babylonian captivity.
Jeremiah 25:11
11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
Daniel 9:2
2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
It was in the Scriptures all along. They could not see it until the time came to reveal it. The truth was there, but they did not grasp it. Much teaching does not align with Scripture. We often shape Scripture around teaching instead of shaping teaching around Scripture. Luke 18:34 says they understood none of these things. It was hidden from them.
There are truths as important as the resurrection that can be missed. They could not grasp that He would rise on the third day (Luke 24:6–8; Luke 24:11). Our own doctrines and theology can hinder us the same way. We assume we understand, just as they did. I ask whether our systems keep the truth hidden from us. I believe they can.
The Request for Greatness in Matthew 20 Verses 20-28
Now I move to the desire of James and John and their mother. In Matthew 19:16–30 we see their vision was not fixed on the purposes of God. Their focus was on thrones, power, and glory. They imagined sitting in positions of honor in the future. Much of our theology mirrors that thinking. We picture glory and rule when He comes again. When Jesus returns at the second event described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, we tend to focus on position rather than purpose.
According to 1 Corinthians chapter 15, what part of you will be changed?
1 Corinthians 15:51–53
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
Some of you answered it. When He comes, what is changed? Your body. It does not say your body will change. Your spirit is not said to be changed. Scripture teaches that the body puts on incorruption and mortality puts on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:51–53). I cannot find any place that says your thinking is changed. I only find that the body is changed.
With that in mind, if Jesus came right now and only our bodies were changed, who would you want ruling over you? Who would you want in authority? We talk about ruling and reigning, but are we ready? That is why we must come into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
If we are going to rule and reign in the universe, we need more maturity than we show now. We struggle to manage simple things in daily life. I use my own failures as an example. By God’s grace, I was spared embarrassment, yet I speak of ruling with Christ. That exposes our lack of readiness.
Matthew 20:20-21
20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
James and John came with their mother asking for seats at His right and left (Matthew 20:20–21). They wanted greatness. The disciples did not understand the kingdom. Often, I question whether I do. They pictured thrones and glory. Many today do the same. Yet the only change promised at His coming is the transformation of our bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51–53).
Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to give Himself as a sacrifice (Matthew 20:17–19). While He moved toward the cross, they argued about greatness. They had done this before when they asked who was greatest (Matthew 18:1). Jesus had told Peter that He would build His church upon him (Matthew 16:18). That stirred envy among the others. James and John tried to secure the chief places ahead of the rest.
I see a conflict between purpose and ambition in this. God gives each of us a purpose. We were not born by chance. Yet there is always a voice urging greatness without the cross. The hardest thing in the kingdom is to die to self (Luke 9:23).
I am not speaking of physical death. I am speaking of dying to the flesh. The mother of James and John wanted her sons seated at Christ’s right and left in the kingdom (Matthew 20:20–21). Those positions represent authority (Matthew 20:21; Matthew 20:23). That is what they were seeking.
Drinking the Cup – The Cost of Greatness
Jesus answered and told them they did not know what they were asking (Matthew 20:22). Many say they want greatness. Many want to sit close to Him. Few understand what that requires. Greatness in the kingdom involves suffering (Acts 14:22). Every truly great servant of God has passed through suffering. Show me a great man in the kingdom today, and I will show you a man who has suffered. There is always a cup to drink.
Matthew 20:22–23
22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
Jesus said they did not know what they were asking. He asked whether they were able to drink of the cup He would drink and be baptized with the baptism He would endure. They said to him just as you and I would say, “Oh yes, we’re able.”
Jesus said you do not know what you are asking (Matthew 20:22). I sometimes wonder if I truly understood what I was asking when I said yes to Him. Greatness in the kingdom always involves suffering (Acts 14:22). History proves it. Martin Luther suffered. The early Pentecostals suffered for what they believed. Every true move of God faces persecution.
Drinking the cup
There is a cup of suffering. Jesus asked to have that cup pass, yet He submitted to it (Matthew 26:39). In Matthew 20:22–23, He asked if they could drink of that cup. He asked whether they could be fully given as He was given. They answered that they were able (Matthew 20:22). In time, they did suffer. One became a martyr. One was exiled to Patmos (Revelation 1:9).
Yet when the soldiers came into Gethsemane, they fled (Matthew 26:56). We often do the same. We know we are called to lay down our lives, yet we hesitate and run (Luke 9:23).
If you stay with Him long enough, you will drink the cup. James did. John did. Jesus had said they would indeed drink of His cup (Matthew 20:23), and they shared in that suffering.
I am not trying to please ears. I am telling you how to be great in the kingdom. Greatness requires suffering (Acts 14:22). Someone must lay down his life. We must decide whether this is worth it. The Lord is calling us to put self down and lift Him up. He calls us to die daily (Luke 9:23). We must decrease so He can increase (John 3:30). He must come forth in us.
Matthew 20:24-28
24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
When the other ten heard about the request, they were angry (Matthew 20:24). I question why. Were they upset because it was wrong, or because James and John asked first? I believe they wanted the same positions. Their anger revealed the same ambition.
True Greatness Defined in Matthew 20 Verses 1-28
Jesus corrected them in Matthew 20:25–26. He said the rulers of the Gentiles exercise authority, but it shall not be so among you. Whoever desires greatness must become a minister. The word minister is deaconis. It means an attendant or waiter. In Acts 6:1–3 the deacons were appointed to serve tables. That is the picture. Greatness in the kingdom means serving in humble duties.
In God’s kingdom, greatness is not holding authority over people. It is serving under them. James and John wanted a position. Jesus redirected them toward service. The true emphasis is not ruling but ministering.
Jesus continued in Matthew 20:27–28. Whoever wants to be chief must become a servant. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.
The word servant in Matthew 20:27 is not the same as minister. It is dolos, and it means a slave or bond servant. It carries the idea of subservience and submission.
Chief does not mean first in rank. It means foremost or before others. If I stand before you in leadership, I must stand as a slave. If I am not a slave, I do not belong there. Leadership in the kingdom requires a life that is surrendered and submissive.
Whoever would be foremost must become a dolos (Matthew 20:27). Leadership in God’s kingdom is slavery to His will and service to His people.
The Inverted Pyramid – Servanthood in the Kingdom
How many want leadership in the kingdom? That is what Jesus is describing in Matthew 20:26–27. I see it as an inverted pyramid. It is a paradox you will not forget.
The world operates one way. You start at the bottom and climb upward. You seek a position so you can exercise authority over others (Matthew 20:25). That is the pattern of the world.
The kingdom works in the opposite direction. You start high and climb down. If you want greatness, you go lower. You become a servant (Matthew 20:26). Instead of ruling, you serve. Instead of dominating, you bless, and instead of climbing, you descend.
Greatness in the kingdom comes through serving (Matthew 20:26–27). The highest point is at the bottom of that inverted pyramid. That is where true greatness is found.
Ephesians 2:20
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Even As the Son of Man – The Measuring Rod of Matthew 20 Verses 1-28
If you understand this, you see who stands at the bottom of that pyramid. Christ is there.
How much of a servant must I become? Even as He did. If I want to be right in the kingdom, I must give myself even as He gave Himself. Matthew 20:27–28 shows that whoever would be chief must become a servant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.
I am not your measuring rod. No human is your standard. Jesus Christ is the measuring rod (Matthew 20:28). I may stop somewhere along the way, but He went all the way down. Many want to sit at His right or left (Matthew 20:21). If you want to be close to Him, you must go down where He went.
The lesson is clear. At the bottom of the inverted pyramid stands Christ (Matthew 20:28). Our goal is to draw as near to that place as possible. Anyone who desires a position must give himself even as He did (Matthew 20:28). That is the paradox – greatness through surrender.
Matthew 20 Verses 1-28 reveals that greatness in the kingdom of God comes through surrender, servanthood, and suffering. The way up is down, and the measuring rod is Christ Himself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 20 Verses 1-28
What does “the last shall be first” mean in Matthew 20 Verses 1-28?
In Matthew 20 Verses 1-28, “the last shall be first” teaches that God measures greatness differently than man. The parable of the laborers shows that reward in the kingdom is based on God’s sovereign will, not human effort, seniority, or comparison. Those who seem least may be honored first because God sees the heart and determines reward according to His purpose.
Why were the disciples angry in Matthew 20?
The disciples were angry because James and John asked for positions of honor at Jesus’ right and left hand (Matthew 20:20–24). Their indignation revealed that they also desired greatness. Jesus corrected them by teaching that leadership in the kingdom is not about authority, but about servanthood and humility.
What is the main lesson of Matthew 20 Verses 1-28?
The main lesson of Matthew 20 Verses 1-28 is that true greatness comes through surrender, suffering, and service. Jesus shows that the way up in the kingdom of God is down. Instead of seeking position, believers are called to become servants, following the example of Christ who gave His life as a ransom for many.
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