2025.08.10. Sermon Notes. THE KINGDOM WAY – GRACE OVER FAIRNESS. Matthew 20. GRACE, GREATNESS and THE GOD WHO SEES.
William Akehurst, HSWC
SCRIPTURES: Matthew 20:1-34, Romans 9:15-16, Ephesians 2:8-9,
2 Peter 1:10-11, Revelation 22:17, Matthew 7:21-23, John 15:16, James 4:6, Ephesians 4:1
BIG IDEA
GOD’s kingdom operates on grace, not human merit. GOD’s grace defies human fairness, greatness is measured by servanthood, and spiritual sight is found in recognizing JESUS.
INTRODUCTION
Have you ever felt like life wasn’t fair?
Have you ever wondered why someone who came in late got the same reward? Or why someone seemingly “less deserving” received blessing?
Matthew 20 continues JESUS’ teachings on the kingdom of heaven and includes a parable, a passion prediction, a lesson on servant leadership, and a miraculous healing. It’s rich in themes of grace, humility, and spiritual sight.
TEXT: Matthew 20:1-34
MATTHEW 20:1-16 Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’
8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”
Grace Offends the Earners (Matthew 20:1–16)
• All receive the same wage, regardless of hours worked.
• A landowner hires workers at different times of the day - from early morning to just before sunset. Even just one hour before the end.
• At the end of the day, he pays all the workers the same wage.
Verse 13–15: “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?”
God’s Grace Is Sovereign - God gives as He wills—not based on human effort.
• Those who worked longer felt entitled and complained.
• Those hired first grumble, expecting more, but the landowner reminds them they agreed to a fair wage and questions their resentment at his generosity.
• The landowner reminds them he paid what was agreed and that he has the right to be generous and asks why they are upset by his kindness.
• Grace levels the playing field—no one earns salvation
LESSON: This teaches us that GOD’s grace is not earned, and HIS generosity may challenge human thoughts of fairness.
God's kingdom operates on grace, not merit.
This parable illustrates that God's rewards are based not on how long or how hard we serve, but on His gracious calling and sovereign will.
KEY VERSE PART 1: "So the last will be first, and the first last." (v. 16a)
POINT:
• THIS parable isn’t about wages—it’s about grace.
• In GOD’s kingdom, grace outweighs merit.
• Grace is not earned—it’s freely given.
• No one “deserves” salvation – it’s a gift.
• Whether you came to Christ at 8 years old or 80, everyone receives the same reward - eternal life with HIM.
• GOD is not unjust in being generous; He is sovereign in showing mercy.
• Humility and faithfulness are more valued than self-importance or seniority.
• Don’t compare your journey with others—celebrate God’s blessings in their lives.
APPLICATION:
• Let go of comparison. Don’t compare your journey with others—God’s grace is personal.
• Rejoice when GOD blesses others.
• Grace is not fair - it’s better than fair.
• Stay humble and faithful. Whether you’ve served God for decades or days, it’s His calling and mercy that matter.
KEY VERSE PART 2: “For many are called, but few chosen.” (v.16b)
The phrase "many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 20:16; also in Matthew 22:14) is a sobering statement made by Jesus that speaks to the difference between invitation and response, and ultimately, between outward appearance and inward transformation.
"Many are called" – This refers to the broad invitation God extends to people through the gospel. Everyone hears the call - through Scripture, preaching, creation, and conscience.
• Called: Invited into the kingdom, offered salvation.
• The General Call of the gospel – available to many.
"Few are chosen" – Of those who hear, only a few respond with genuine faith, humility, and obedience. These are the ones who are "chosen" — not because they earned it, but because their response aligns with God’s grace and purpose.
• Chosen: Those who respond rightly, bearing fruit, persevering in faith (see Matthew 22:14, which repeats this phrase).
• The Effectual Call of the gospel – those who respond in faith and are transformed by grace.
• This underscores the responsibility to respond sincerely to God’s call.
POINT:
• God’s grace levels the playing field—there’s no room for pride.
• Serving faithfully, regardless of how long or visibly, honors God.
• The “chosen” aren't the privileged or entitled, but the faithful and obedient.
1. God shows mercy on whom He wills.
Romans 9:15-16 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
(NLT) 16 So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.
2. Salvation is by grace, not works.
Ephesians 2:8-9 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
3. Be sure your calling is confirmed. Respond with surrender, not entitlement.
2 Peter 1:10–11 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
4. God's Invitation Is for All
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
But not all accept the call with the right heart.
Matthew 7:21-23 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
5. True Faith Bears Fruit – God chooses us to bear lasting fruit.
John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
6. God Chooses Those Who Humbly Receive - God gives grace to the humble.
James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
APPLICATION
• Don’t just hear—respond. The call of God demands more than showing up; it calls for a change of heart.
• Check your garments. Are you clothed in the righteousness of Christ, or relying on your own works or efforts?
• Live worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1) — walk in obedience, faith, and humility.
Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
PRAYER PAUSE:
“FATHER, I hear YOUR call. Give me a heart to respond with faith and obedience. Let me be counted among the chosen—not by my merit, but by YOUR Mercy and Grace. In JESUS’ Name, amen.”
MATTHEW 20:17-19 Jesus a Third Time Predicts HIS Death and Resurrection
The Third Passion Prediction- JESUS Predicts HIS Death a Third Time
17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”
II. JESUS Foretells the Cross (Matthew 20:17–19)
JESUS heads toward Jerusalem.
He tells HIS disciples what’s coming.
JESUS gives HIS most detailed prediction of HIS coming suffering in Jerusalem.
He mentions betrayal, condemnation, mocking, scourging or flogging, crucifixion, and resurrection.
POINT:
• JESUS knows the suffering ahead—but goes willingly.
• JESUS willingly walks toward suffering to fulfill the Father’s will.
• The cross was not a surprise. It was the mission.
APPLICATION:
• Salvation comes at a cost—and JESUS bore it.
• Are you following JESUS for comfort, or are you ready to follow HIM to the cross?
MATTHEW 20:20-23 The Request of James and John’s Mother
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.
21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?”
She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.”
22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
They said to Him, “We are able.”
23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink 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 is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
III. A Misguided Ambition (Matthew 20:20–23)
The mother of James and John asks JESUS to give her sons top positions of power in HIS kingdom.
JESUS asks, “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
They say yes—but they don’t yet understand what it means.
JESUS’ response is about drinking the "cup" of suffering.
POINT:
• This CUP represents HIS own blood sacrifice.
• The “cup” represents suffering, not status.
• To follow JESUS is to walk the road of self-denial.
APPLICATION:
• Be careful what you ask GOD for.
• Are you seeking recognition—or relationship?
LESSON: Greatness in GOD’s kingdom comes through sacrifice and suffering.
MATTHEW 20:24-28 JESUS Teaches Servant Leadership - Servant Leadership Redefined
24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
IV. The True Measure of Greatness (Matthew 20:24–28)
The disciples argue over greatness.
The other disciples become indignant—probably because they wanted the same positions.
JESUS gathers them and flips the world's idea of leadership:
JESUS redefines leadership: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."
KEY VERSE: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give HIS life as a ransom for many." (v. 28)
POINT:
• In the world: power = greatness
• In GOD’s kingdom: service = greatness
APPLICATION:
• Are you willing to serve without being seen?
• If JESUS washed feet, how can we do any less?
MATTHEW 20:29-34 Two Blind Men Receive Sight - Healing on the Way Out of Jericho
29 Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. 30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”
31 Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”
32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” 34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
V. Blind Men Who Could See (Matthew 20:29–34)
JESUS leaves Jericho
Two blind men hear JESUS is coming.
They cry out: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
The crowd tries to silence them—but they cry louder.
Despite the crowd’s rebuke, JESUS stops, has compassion, and heals them.
They follow HIM.
POINT:
• They were physically blind, but spiritually perceptive.
• They saw who JESUS was—the “Son of David,” the Messiah.
APPLICATION:
• Are you spiritually blind today?
• Cry out to JESUS—He still hears and heals.
SPIRITUAL APPLICATION: Physical healing mirrors the spiritual sight given to those who recognize JESUS as Messiah.
SUMMARY
1. Grace Over Merit: GOD's generosity isn’t based on our work, but HIS character (vv. 1–16).
2. Kingdom Reversal: GOD often elevates the lowly and humbles the proud (v. 16).
3. Servant Leadership: True greatness is shown in humility and service (vv. 26–28).
4. Christ’s Sacrifice: JESUS was fully aware of HIS path to the cross and willingly walked it (vv. 17–19, 28).
5. Spiritual POINT: Recognizing who JESUS is opens the door to transformation (vv. 30–34).
CONCLUSION: KINGDOM LESSONS FROM MATTHEW 20
1. GOD’s grace isn’t earned—it’s freely given.
Stop comparing. Start worshipping.
2. Let Go of Comparison
Don’t measure your journey against others.
Rejoice in God’s blessings for others.
3. Embrace Grace
Grace isn’t fair - it’s better than fair.
Whether you come to Christ early or late, the reward is the same: eternal life.
4. Following JESUS may cost everything - but HE is worth it.
Take up your cross and follow.
5. The way up is down.
Serve others. Wash feet. Give yourself away.
6. Only JESUS can open blind eyes.
Cry out for mercy. He will stop for you.
MATTHEW 20 teaches us that GOD's kingdom does not operate on human merit, but divine grace. It also teaches us that true greatness is found not in being first, but in being a servant. And it ends with a powerful reminder: JESUS is the One who gives sight to the blind, both physically and spiritually.
Let’s Pray
LORD, we thank YOU that YOUR Kingdom runs on grace, not merit.
Help us to serve like YOU, to walk humbly, to serve others as YOU served, and to rejoice in the blessings of others. Open our eyes that we may see YOU more clearly. Let us follow YOU with a servant’s heart, willing to carry the cross, and eager to bring others to YOUR mercy. In JESUS’ name, Amen.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Pastor Bill
Hymns:
#227 “Amazing Grace”
#59 “JESUS Paid It All”
#335 “Take My Life and Let It Be”
#506 “Open My Eyes that I May See”
