Matthew 20:25
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
PARABLE OF THE LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD. (Mat. 20:1-16) For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, &c.--The figure of a vineyard, to represent the rearing of souls for heaven, the culture required and provided for that purpose, and the care and pains which God takes in that whole matter, is familiar to every reader of the Bible. (Psa 80:8-16; Isa 5:1-7; Jer 2:21; Luk 20:9-16; Joh 15:1-8). At vintage time, as WEBSTER and WILKINSON remark, labor was scarce, and masters were obliged to be early in the market to secure it. Perhaps the pressing nature of the work of the Gospel, and the comparative paucity of laborers, may be incidentally suggested, Mat 9:37-38. The "laborers," as in Mat 9:38, are first, the official servants of the Church, but after them and along with them all the servants of Christ, whom He has laid under the weightiest obligation to work in His service.
Open source ↗20:25-28 The desire for power is characteristic of pagan rulers in this world. It ought not to be a trait of those who follow the Son of Man (18:1-5; 19:13-15; 23:1-12).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished.
Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?”