Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
CLASS TWENTY-ONE: The Greatness of God’s Grace
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to MATTHEW 20:1–34
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. The Parable of the Vineyard Workers (vv. 1-16)
a. Who does the landowner represent in this parable?
b. A denarius was equal to a day’s wages.
c. He went out to find workers at 6am, 9am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. The last workers called only worked about an hour before quitting time. What were they doing when he found them?
d. Verse 8 recalls 19:30. Why did he pay them in that order?
e. What do you think the others expected when they saw that those who only worked an hour were paid a full denarii?
f. How are the landowner’s actions like God’s grace?
g. How does verse 16 apply to the meaning of this parable?
IV. Jesus Again Predicts His Death (vv. 17-19)
a. This is the fifth time in Matthew’s gospel that Jesus predicts His death. (12:40; 16:21; 17:12, 22-23) Each time more details are provided. What do we learn here?
V. Suffering and Service (vv. 20-28)
a. The sons of Zebedee were James and John. They are seeking this request through their mother (Mark 10:35).
b. In light of 16:23 and 19:28-29, why might they be making this request?
c. What “cup” is Jesus talking about? Some manuscripts add, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? (see Mark 10:38)
d. (vs. 23) Jesus gives them a hint of their future. James will be martyred (Acts 12:1-2) and John will be exiled to the Island of Patmos (Rev. 1:9) before he is martyred.
e. (vs. 24) Why did the other disciples become indignant?
f. (vv. 25-28) What is Jesus’ message to them?
VI. Two Blind Men Healed (vv. 29-34)
a. (vs. 30a) Mark 10:46 names only man (Bartimaeus) and Luke 18:35 only mentions one blind man. How might we explain Matthew’s mention of two blind men?
i. Gee whiz info: Bartimaeus is literally translated as “son of Timaeus.” Timaeus means unclean or excrement.
b. (vv. 30b-31) What is significant about calling Jesus, Son of David?
c. (vs. 32) Why does Jesus ask this question?
d. (vv. 33-34) How and why does Jesus heal them? What is their response?
VII. Application
a. God’s grace extends to all who would receive Him, whenever in their life that may occur. (Luke 23:42-43; 1st Thessalonians 5:9)
b. We must follow the humble example of Christ, and not seek our own, in our service to Him. (1 Corinthians 10:24)
c. God is concerned with the salvation of humanity. We must rejoice when a sinner comes to repentance and has faith in Jesus Christ. (1st John 4:14-15)
Final Comments and/or Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: The Triumphal Entry - Read Matthew 21:1-46 to prepare.
