Matthew 20:11

Modern

On receiving their pay, they began to grumble against the landowner.

Traditional

And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

Literal

And having received it, they were grumbling against the master of the house,

Latin

Et accipientes murmurabant adversus patremfamilias,

Greek

English

On receiving their pay, they began to grumble against the landowner.

This parable is like the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11–32). In both, God shows grace to two groups, but one complains about unfair treatment.

Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1; 20:29; 21:1). This was another chance to teach the disciples what it means to be his disciples.

Theme notes and profiles

Luke 19:7
And all who saw this began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man!”
1 Thessalonians 2:16
…hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.
Jude 1:16
These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
Luke 15:28–30
The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.
Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying.
Luke 15:2
So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Acts 22:21–22
Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
Luke 5:30
But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Acts 11:2–3
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took issue with him