Matthew

Chapter 20

Chapter 20 begins with a parable about the Kingdom of God and the distribution of power in the ranks. This parable presents and difficult picture of justice in the Kingdom. The parable of the workers in the vineyard teaches about workers called into the vineyard at various parts of the day. Some work the whole and some work only an hour, yet the pay is equal for all of them. Payday is even executed from the end of the list first, demonstrating Jesus’ teaching about the first being last and the last being first. Those who worked the whole day objected even though they earned the contracted amount.

The story is about workers being called into God’s fields. Some came on board very early on, and some have been called into service much later. Jesus teaches his disciples that the order in which people are called in is not definitive of their standing in the community of servants. Being an early disciple does not give any advantage over being called later. The important element is that we are all called into service of the Lord and getting “on board” is the important part.

Power and Placement in the Kingdom

The argument really gets cooking when the mother of James and John comes to Jesus and asks for privilege, to sit one at the right and the other at the left hand of Jesus. This narrative follows directly upon the heals of Jesus’ third passion prediction. He once again referred to himself in the Messianic title, “Son of Man” and told them about how the Messiah was going to be treated. Matthew has been very clear to place in juxtaposition Jesus teaching about being a servant and the disciples’ desire for the places of prestige and power (at the right and left hand of Jesus). Jesus teaches clearly that God’s Kingdom doesn’t operate the way the world operates. The world’s power system is made up of tyrants and Lord’s who hold absolute power over others. God’s kingdom is comprised of servants who serve the world. The most cherished position in the kingdom is that of slave to all just as Jesus came to serve and to give his life “as a ransom for many.”

Healing the Blind

Everything thus far that has been involved in the arguments that Jesus had with the religious establishment and then also with the disciples has been a matter of Jesus trying to give sight to people who could not see. This narrative echoes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which marks him as the Messianic king after the fashion of David. Here the blind men call Jesus by another messianic title, Son of David. Jesus did for these two blind men what he hasn’t been able to do for the religious leaders or the disciples as yet. Jesus opened their eyes and they saw. They met great opposition in the crowd. Everyone was trying to shut them up, but they continued to shout, “Son of David,” and Jesus responded. Jesus gave them sight.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006