About this episode
This episode discusses the meaning of Matthew 20:16 in the context of Jesus' parable about the workers in the vineyard.
Thursday, 4 June 2026 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” Matthew 20:16 “Thus, they will be the last, first, and the first, last. Many, then, they are called; few, also, selected.” (CG) In the previous verse, Jesus finished His parable concerning the workers in the vineyard. His words now sum up the overall thought. They are words that go back to Matthew 19:30, and which closed out that chapter. He says, “Thus, they will be the last, first, and the first, last.” In Matthew 19:30, it said, “Many, also, they will be: first, last, and last, first.” We can see that Jesus specifically built this parable around that thought to explain what prompted that statement in the first place. That was based on Peter’s words. There, it said, “Then answering, Peter, he said to Him, ‘You behold! We, we left all, and we followed You! What hence it will be to us?’” Only by following the progression of the narrative can the explanation for the parable be properly understood. Various views have been proposed as to Jesus’ intent. Some find the laborers to indicate the beginning of the gospel, meaning the selection of Jesus’ disciples at the outset of His…
People in this episode
Host: Bondservant of Christ
Topics covered
- parables
- Christian teachings
- gospel
- spirituality
- discipleship
Keywords
- Matthew 20:16
- parables
- Jesus
- disciples
- Christianity
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Matthew 20:16, Matthew 19:30, 1 Corinthians 3, 2 Corinthians
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- Matthew 20:21 · June 9, 2026 · 7 min
- Matthew 20:20 · June 8, 2026 · 7 min
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