45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 20: Many are Called But Few are Chosen Matthew 20:16 KJV
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How to Get the Most Out of The Challenge
The Gospel consists of four books in the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that share the teachings of Jesus Christ. You can start the FREE “45 Day Challenge” at any time by visiting the ePrayer Circle homepage and selecting the “45 Day Challenge” menu option. Feel free to share these lessons and print them for use in your Bible study groups. You can also translate the content into multiple languages using the Google Translate menu bar on the homepage.
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.Transcript: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS CHALLENGE
Step One. Start in the order of: the Gospel of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew for understanding.
The instructions are designed for accessibility and ensures the learner is not overwhelmed and confused. Post your questions in the comment section and the author will answer you. Please share your experiences and opinions.
Step Two. Each lesson takes about 35 minutes to complete: 20 min to study the lesson and take the quiz. 15 minutes to read the Bible resource
It is recommended to read the entire post and then take the quiz before reading or listening to the bible resources. Each lesson is self-contained and includes all resources needed.
Step 3: You should complete two lessons a day. 5 Days a week in order to complete the “45 Days to Read The Gospel Challenge in 45 days”.
There is no law that says you have to complete these lessons in 45 days. You are free to work at your own pace. Study the lesson and take the quiz in the morning, and later listen to or read the bible resources.
Step 4: Get organize with pen and paper. Take notes. Each lesson contains: Header Sections (Table of Contents): (1) chapter summary, (2) objectives, (3) outline, (4) reflection question, (5) chapter highlights, (6) resources, (7) interactive quiz, and (8) a call to salvation.
Step 5: Enjoy. The Gospel Changes Lives. Get active and communicate with others. Share the lessons with friends. No stress. Work at your own pace. Upon satisfactory completion you will receive a personal Certificate
Thank you for taking this challenge. Let’s get started.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son, is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
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Before Starting this Course:
Read the Word in the parking lot while waiting on others.
Read the Word in the morning with coffee and at night for easy rest at bedtime.
Read the Word when you walk for exercise.
Send the Word to your social media platforms.
Text the Word to people to encourage them in the Lord: children, friends, spouses, acquaintances, or neighbors.
Keywords: #birthofjesus, #nothingimpossiblewithgod, #johnthebaptise, #jesuschrist, #gabriel, #prophesy, #allpower, #receiveinfaith
Overview of The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Matthew was a former tax collector, called by Jesus to follow Him. His Gospel is believed to have been written between 50-70 AD, and it is the first book in the New Testament, even though it may not have been the first Gospel written. Matthew’s account emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah and King, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.
Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and King David, highlighting Jesus’ royal and Jewish heritage. It then moves into the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth, His baptism by John the Baptist, and the start of His ministry.
Mary and her husband Joseph were both from the lineage of King David. Matthew 1:17 “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” Matthew tells of a prophetic word that told of Jesus’ birth.
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” It is interesting to note that Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly because of her pregnancy. But an angel came to him and verified that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, Joseph stayed married to Mary and did not consummate the marriage until Jesus Christ was born.
Note: Jesus Christ is a name translated in the English versions. It is accepted by God. For this purpose these studies are on the English speaking version. Philippians 2:9 KJV “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name:” There are many names people call Jesus but it is only one name to be saved by. If you mispronounce other names (thinking that is the original name) then you are not calling on the Lord.
It is known that what we pronounce today is not the way it was pronounced then. Develop a personal relationship with the Lord and you will know he answers to the name name Jesus Christ (the blood sacrifice). He is the God of the living. Psalms 100:3 KJV 3 Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
The Gospel of Matthew is known for including many of Jesus’ key teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about love, humility, prayer, and the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus performs miracles, heals the sick, and casts out demons, showing His divine authority.
Matthew also places a strong emphasis on Jesus’ role as a teacher and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He frequently references the Scriptures to show how Jesus’ life and mission align with what was foretold about the Messiah. The Gospel also includes Jesus’ parables, teachings on discipleship, and warnings about the final judgment.
The story of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection is the heart of the Gospel. Matthew ends with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, spreading the message of salvation.
In summary, the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the King of all nations, whose life, death, and resurrection bring salvation to the world.
Note From Editor: The name “Jesus Christ” is an English translation, and it is accepted by God. Philippians 2:9 KJV says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” People call Jesus by many praise names, but only one name is called upon for salvation by English speaking people and that is Jesus Christ. If you mispronounce other names thinking they are the original, you might not be calling on the Lord.
Language has changed over time, but when you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you will know that the name Jesus Christ, the Savior is accepted by God. The Holy spirit bears witness. Jesus gave His life for us. Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know ye that the Lord, He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.”
Keywords: #faithasbigasamustard seed, #jesustransformation, #nothingimpossible, #jesusisthesonofgod, #jesusispredestined, #jesuswarnsthedisciple, #godovertradition, #godoverculture, #jesusheals, #whatdefilesaman, #honorthymotherandfather, #gospel, #jesusislord, #jesuspreaches, #temptations, #trials, #baptismofjesuschrist, #repent, #kingdomofheaven, #healing, #preaching, crucifixion, #resurrection, #disciplesofallnations.#gospel, #offerofsalvation, #blessed, #faith, #believe, #prophecy, #prophecies, #eprayercircle, #jesusislord, #prophecies, #treasureofheaven, #giftofgod, #spiritoftruth, #eternallife, #salvationisfree, #45daychallenge, #worthyisthelamb, #godoftheliving, #freebiblestudy, #freebibleclassses,
45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 20: Many are Called but Few are Chosen
Overview of the Gospel of Matthew Chapter Twenty
In Matthew 20, we explore several important teachings from Jesus. The chapter begins with the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, where Jesus illustrates God’s generosity by paying all workers the same wage, regardless of when they were hired. Next, Jesus once again foretells His death and resurrection, reminding His disciples of His upcoming sacrifice.
The mother of Zebedee’s children requests that her sons, James and John, be given special positions in Jesus’ kingdom, leading to a discussion on true greatness. Jesus teaches that humility and service are what make someone truly great in God’s eyes.
Finally, the chapter ends with Jesus showing His power and compassion by giving sight to two blind men. Through these events, we see Jesus emphasizing grace, humility, and His mission of sacrifice.
By the end of this lesson, students will understand the importance of humility, service, and the grace of God, as well as the significance of Jesus’ foretelling of His death and resurrection.
The parable of the laborers and the vineyard. The last shall be first, and the first last: for many are called, but few chosen. There was a man who hired laborers to work in his vineyard for a penny a day. They agreed to the labor and pay. Many hours later, there were laborers hanging around that no one hired. The man of the vineyard hired them because he had a generous heart and knew they needed money.
At the end of the day, he told his head worker to pay the ones recently hired first, then pay the others last. Each laborer received the same pay regardless of time worked. The ones who worked 11 hours complained. The employer said it was his money and field and they agreed to their payment. It was his right to pay the others the same pay as he was only being generous. Jesus explained as it will be in heaven, the last will be first and the first will be last.
Notes: In heaven, everyone is treated the same, regardless of how long they were saved. The thief hanging on the cross beside Jesus asked to enter heaven and to be forgiven. Jesus granted his wish. That thief will be received of heaven as someone who had believed their whole life. John the Baptist was the greatest prophet born of a woman and yet Jesus said the least in heaven was greater than he.
You will learn that Jesus knew how he would be treated when telling of his predestined death. Matthew 20:18-19 KJV 18Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the Scribes, and they shall sentence him to death, 19And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, scourge, and crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Believers are not equal to Jesus. Many religions teach that believers are equal to Jesus because he calls us friends. This parable of Zebedee’s approached Jesus for her sons, James and Johns who were Jesus disciples. She asked if they could sit on his right and left side in heaven. Jesus said they may drink his cup of suffering and be baptized but those seats are reserved by his father for those they are prepared.
Note: Jesus is God but on earth, he came as the Son of God in the flesh. In heaven. After his death, he ascends to his higher self and is with God, and is God as Jesus is the Word that became flesh. John 1: 10-12 10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name: John the Baptist made it clear that Jesus was higher than he. John 1:27 KJV “He is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.”
Jesus exhorts humility from the disciples in order that they may serve others. Jesus explains to his disciples that princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over their people. Those that are great exercise authority over the princes. However, the disciples will govern differently and exhort humility in leadership.
The greatest among them will minister. The chief among them will serve them. Matthew 20: 28 28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Note: There is a famous book people refer to that teaches people, especially business people “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. It teaches them to ask people, “What can I do for you? or What do you want?” The book is based on the character trait of humility in serving others. Jesus invented the concept as he is Grace and Truth and taught humility and service. It works in all areas of life.
Jesus healed two blind men because they asked. They knew he could do it as they called for his attention. The multitude tried to make them be quiet and go away but they were persistent in calling Jesus to have mercy on them. Jesus approached them and granted their request. Matthew 20:34 KJV 34So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Note: Jesus asked the blind men, What can I do for you? Again, he is of great power with humility and a service attitude. The blind men were persistent in their request for healing. Luke 18:1 “And he spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”
Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media.
Objectives for Chapter 20 -The Gospel of Matthew. What you will learn:
You will understand the meaning behind Jesus’ teaching that “the last shall be first, and the first last,” and the distinction between being called and being chosen.
You will learn how Jesus predicted His own death, fully aware of the suffering He would face, and how this shows His divine purpose.
You will explore the difference between believers and Jesus, recognizing that, while we follow Him, we are not equal to Him.
You will understand how Jesus encourages humility among His disciples, teaching them that true greatness comes from serving others.
You will learn that Jesus responds to persistent faith, as shown by His healing of those who earnestly seek Him.
Outline for Chapter 20 of the Gospel of Matthew
1. The parable of the laborers in the vineyard.
2. Jesus again foretells his own death and resurrection.
3. The request of the mother of Zebedee’schildren.
4. Jesus exhorts humility.
5. Jesus gives sight to two blind men.
Reflection and Discussion: Something to think about.
Reflecting, what do you do on a regular basis to serve others, even if it is for a relative or household member?
Resources For This Lesson
Click here for the King James Bible version in the text (pdf), mobile viewing on the web (KJV), YouTube audio, and video (Total time: 8 min.) Part One and Part Two
See “Chapter 20 Highlights” below for scriptures and help with the quiz. If needed, refresh the screen to retake the quiz.
Highlights Objectives for Chapter 20 -The Gospel of Matthew. What you will learn:
1. You will learn why the last shall be first, and the first last: for many are called, but few chosen. Matthew 20: 1-15 KJV
1For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.
2And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour and did likewise.
6And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7They 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.
8So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12Saying, 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.
13But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: did, not thou agree with me for a penny?
14Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
2. You will learn that Jesus knew how he would be treated when telling of his predestined death. Matthew 20: 17-19 KJV
17And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
18Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death
19And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
3. You will learn that believers are not equal to Jesus. Matthew 20: 20-23 KJV
20Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
21And 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.
22But 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.
23And 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.
4. You will learn that Jesus exhorts humility from the disciples in that they are to serve others. Matthew 20: 24-27 KJV
24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
25But 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.
26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
5. You will learn that upon request Jesus heals two blind men. Matthew 20: 29-34 KJV
29And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
30And, behold, two blind men, sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
31And the multitude rebuked them because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
32And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
33They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
34So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Interactive Quiz
#1. True or False? The parable of the laborers in the vineyard is a parable of how Jesus explains heaven. Believers are given the same benefits of heaven regardless of length of time they were saved
#2. True or False? Jesus foretells his death. Matthew 20: 18-19 KJV 18Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, 19And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
#3. Zebedee the mother of John and James (disciples of Jesus) asked if her sons could sit on Jesus's left and right hand in the Kingdom, in front of the other disciples. How did Jesus answer?
#4. Jesus exhorts humility from the disciples in that they are to serve others. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. What did he tell the disciples how they were to lead? Chose BEST answer
#5. Two blind men said, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. The multitude tried to quiet them. What character trait did the blind men display to get Jesus's attention?
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Call to salvation:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.