Study 7: The Workers

Matthew 19:1 – 20:16

Monday 14^th to Sunday 20^th March, 2011

Introduction

“… and the winner is …” How does the world judge success in life? How is this demonstrated in the way people live their lives?

Studying the passage - Read Matthew 19:1-30

1) Why do the disciples think it is “better not to marry” (v. 10)? What other reason does Jesus give for not marrying (vv. 11-12; compare 1 Corinthians 7:32-38)? Try to explain what Jesus meant by “the one who can accept this should accept it” (v. 12). (Hint: 1 Corinthians 7:8-9).

2) When the children are brought to Jesus (vv. 13-15), the disciples response demonstrates that they have failed to learn the lesson of Matthew 18:1-5. What was this lesson? Why do you think it was so hard to learn? (Hint: how successful are children in the eyes of the world?)

3) Under the Mosaic Covenant, God promised to bless obedience (see for example Deut. 28:1-14). In fact, the rich young man’s wealth may have come from his attempts to obey the Law (see Matthew 19:20). How might this explain why the disciples are “greatly astonished” (v.25) (Hint: Why would they think rich people are more likely to be saved)?

Read Matthew 20:1-16

4) Explain why the ones “who were hired first” “began to grumble” (vv. 10-11). How does their attitude mirror that of the disciples in Matt. 19:25?

5) What is the main point of the parable? How does it explain how it is possible for us to be saved (Matthew 17:25-26)?

6) If salvation is by grace, does what we do matter? Explain your answer from Matt. 19:1 – 20:16.

Response

How do you judge your own success in life? Are there any areas of your life where you are trying too hard to be successful?

Do you think of yourself as one who was hired “first” or “last”? Why.

Spend some time thanking God for His grace and praying for one another.