Matthew 20 · Grade 4
Grace and Greatness
Read and Think
Jesus told a parable about a landowner who hired workers for his vineyard at dawn, mid-morning, noon, mid-afternoon and the last hour of the day. When evening came, everyone received a denarius, a full day's wage. Those hired first complained. The owner answered that he had done them no wrong; he was free to be generous. So the last will be first, and the first last.
On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus told the Twelve for the third time that He would be handed over, condemned, mocked and crucified, and that on the third day He would be raised.
Right after this, James and John's mother asked for the best seats in the Kingdom for her sons. Jesus said the rulers of the nations lord it over people, but it shall not be so among His followers. Whoever wants to be great must be a servant, "even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Then He showed that servant heart by stopping to heal two blind men.
Show What You Know
What did all the workers in the parable receive?
What point did the landowner make to those who complained?
What did Jesus predict for the third time?
How is greatness different in Jesus' Kingdom than among the rulers of the nations?
Think About It
Have you ever felt something was unfair when someone else received grace? How does this parable change that?
Name one way you can serve someone this week instead of trying to be first.
Memory Verse
“It shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.”
Matthew 20:26 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- What does it mean that the Son of Man came to serve and give His life?
- How does God's grace differ from earning a reward?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.