Lessons on the Road to Jerusalem: Faith, Service, and True Discipleship Based on Matthew 20–21

Introduction

As Jesus embarks on His final journey toward Jerusalem, each step draws Him closer to the cross. Yet, He does not simply walk this path in silence; He pauses to teach, correct, heal, warn, and reveal the heart of God. Along this road, He encounters a diverse group of individuals and situations: the Pharisees, the rich young ruler, the mother of Zebedee’s sons, two blind men by the wayside, a fig tree without fruit, and a city that welcomed Him without truly knowing Him. Every encounter holds a vital lesson for disciples today, shaping their mission, attitude, and understanding of the Kingdom of God. Today, let us walk alongside Jesus, learning as He shapes us for service and discipleship.

I. The Parable of the Laborers—God’s Justice, Sovereignty, and Generosity

In Matthew 20:1–16, Jesus uses the story of a vineyard owner to illustrate the nature of the Kingdom. The owner hires laborers at different times throughout the day, yet at day’s end, he pays them all equally. The first workers—those who are prominent, religious, or experienced—complain about this perceived injustice. The owner responds, “Is your eye evil because I am good?” Here, Jesus teaches that God is sovereign and free to reward as He pleases. He is just, wronging no one, and generous, giving more than anyone deserves. God does not show favoritism; every believer stands by grace.

“Many are called, few are chosen.” All the laborers received the same reward, but those who surrendered self-ambition and passivity were honored above others. The challenge for believers is to labor in God’s vineyard rather than waste time. Some claim security in their faith without true assurance, doing church work instead of God’s work.

Consider this illustration: Two workers begin a job—one works all day, the other only one hour. Both receive the same wage, not because of their efforts but because of the agreement made. God’s rewards flow from His promise, not from our pride.

II. Ambition Corrected—The Mother of Zebedee’s Sons

Matthew 20:20–28 tells of the mother of Zebedee’s sons, who kneels before Jesus while seeking places of honor for her children. Jesus replies, “You know not what you ask.” Many prayers go unanswered not because they are evil, but because they lie outside God’s will, are rooted in self-promotion, or hurt others. The disciples feel offended, believing they have been overlooked.

Jesus explains that greatness in the Kingdom of God comes through service, leadership through sacrifice, and authority through humility. Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Picture a spotlight shining on a performer: behind the scenes are hours of sweat, pain, and discipline. Many desire glory but not the hard work it requires.

Ask yourself: Are your ambitions helping others or stepping on them? Are you seeking position or purpose? Are you willing to carry the cross behind Christ?

III. Jesus Heals the Blind Men—Faith That Refuses to Be Silenced

In Matthew 20:29–34, two blind men hear that Jesus is passing by and cry out, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” The crowd rebukes them, but they cry even louder. Their persistent faith unlocks blessing; some miracles are reserved for those who refuse to give up.

Even on His way to the cross, Jesus stops for two forgotten men, asking, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He heals them, and unlike others who received miracles and walked away, these men choose to follow Him.

Do not stop crying out when others try to silence you. Let the hunger of faith overpower the noise of the crowd.

IV. The Triumphal Entry—A Misunderstood King

Matthew 21:1–11 describes Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, a symbol of peace. This fulfills Zechariah 9:9, which prophesies a humble King arriving in this way. However, the passage about salvation and victory awaits fulfillment at His second coming.

The crowd shouts, “Hosanna! Son of David!” but only identifies Him as “The Prophet of Nazareth.” The city celebrates Jesus, but does not truly know Him. He comes to His own, and His own do not receive Him.

People often admire great leaders publicly but deny them privately. The crowd loved the moment, not the Messiah.

V. Jesus Cleanses the Temple—The House of Prayer Becomes a House of Power

In Matthew 21:12–17, Jesus confronts idolatry by driving out the money changers and overturning tables in the temple. God despises anything that replaces Him in the temple. Today, our bodies are temples—what idols exist within us? Entertainment, desire, money, pride, and unforgiveness can hinder prayer.

After Jesus cleanses the temple, the blind and lame come to Him, and He heals them. A cleansed life becomes a powerful life. The strength of your prayer life is tied to the purity of your heart. Remove what is unclean, and God’s power will return.

VI. The Barren Fig Tree—A Warning Against Empty Religion

Matthew 21:18–22 recounts Jesus finding a fig tree with leaves but no fruit, representing Israel’s religious appearance without spiritual substance. He curses the tree, and it withers. The disciples marvel at the miracle but miss its meaning. Many admire miracles without understanding their message.

Jesus teaches that faith can move mountains, receive anything in prayer, and must be free of doubt. Ask yourself: Do I have religious appearance without spiritual fruit? Do I pray in faith or out of habit? Am I marveling at miracles or learning from them?

Conclusion: Five Truths from the Road to Jerusalem

1.       God rewards faithfulness, not prominence.

2.       Ambition must bow to the cross.

3.       Faith must persist despite opposition.

4.       True worship requires cleansing of the heart.

5.       A fruitless life invites judgment, but a faithful life invites power.

Call to Action

·         Enter the vineyard—start serving God now.

·         Lay down your ambition and pick up His will.

·         Cry out like the blind men—do not let anything silence you.

·         Clean the temple of your heart—remove idols.

·         Bear fruit worthy of repentance.

The same Jesus who walked toward the cross is walking toward you today—teaching, shaping, cleansing, calling, and empowering. Will you follow Him all the way to Jerusalem?