The King’s Call: Faithfulness, Servanthood, and the Power of the Kingdom
- Be God's Glory
- Oct 16
- 12 min read
Welcome to Day 288 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In these chapters, Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem, teaching deep truths about God’s Kingdom and what it means to live under His rule. He challenges the self-righteous and calls His followers to a higher standard of love, humility, and faithfulness. Jesus teaches about marriage, wealth, servanthood, and the rewards of discipleship, then illustrates Kingdom values through parables that contrast worldly thinking with divine justice and grace. As He enters Jerusalem as the promised Messiah, Jesus confronts religious hypocrisy and reveals the coming judgment upon those who reject God’s invitation. Through His interactions and parables, He unveils the heart of the King—one who invites all to His Kingdom but demands wholehearted devotion and obedience in return.
Matthew 19
In Matthew 19, Jesus teaches about the sanctity of marriage, reaffirming God’s design for lifelong union between a man and a woman and condemning the hardness of heart that leads to divorce. When questioned by the Pharisees, He points back to creation, emphasizing God’s intent for covenantal faithfulness. Jesus blesses the little children, showing that the Kingdom belongs to those with humble, trusting hearts. The encounter with the rich young ruler exposes how attachment to earthly wealth can hinder total devotion to God—Jesus calls him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The chapter closes with Jesus teaching His disciples that while it is impossible for man to save himself, salvation is possible only through God, and those who sacrifice for His Kingdom will receive eternal reward.
Matthew 20
Matthew 20 opens with the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, where Jesus illustrates God’s generosity and sovereignty in dispensing grace. Those who came late to work receive the same wage as those who began early, teaching that salvation is not earned by effort but given by grace alone. Jesus again predicts His death and resurrection, showing that His path to glory is through suffering. When the mother of James and John asks for her sons to sit at Jesus’ right and left, He teaches that true greatness in the Kingdom comes through servanthood and humility, not power or position. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing two blind men near Jericho, symbolizing the spiritual sight given to those who call out to Him in faith.
Matthew 21
In Matthew 21, Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 as the humble King riding on a donkey. The crowds shout “Hosanna,” acknowledging Him as the Son of David, yet their expectations are temporal rather than spiritual. Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out the money changers and declaring that God’s house should be a house of prayer, not corruption. Through the cursing of the fig tree, He demonstrates God’s judgment on fruitless religion that has the appearance of life but lacks genuine faith. Jesus then tells parables—the two sons, the wicked tenants, and others—that expose Israel’s rejection of God’s messengers and point to the coming transfer of the Kingdom to those who produce its fruit. This chapter powerfully reveals Jesus’ authority and the accountability demanded by His lordship.
Matthew 22
Matthew 22 opens with the parable of the wedding banquet, portraying God as the gracious King who invites all to His Son’s feast. Those who refuse represent Israel’s leaders who reject Christ, while the man without wedding garments symbolizes those who approach God without true righteousness. Religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus with questions about taxes, resurrection, and the law, but His divine wisdom silences them each time. Jesus affirms that the greatest commandments are to love God fully and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, summing up all of Scripture in these two truths. The chapter concludes with Jesus turning the tables on the Pharisees by questioning them about the Messiah’s identity, revealing that the Christ is not merely David’s son but also David’s Lord—fully divine and sovereign.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Matthew comes from the Hebrew name “Mattityahu”, which means “Gift of Yahweh” or “Gift of the Lord.” This name beautifully reflects Matthew’s role as one chosen by God to record the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Before following Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector, a profession often despised in Jewish society, yet his name signifies that God can transform anyone into a vessel of divine purpose and truth.
Purpose of the Book:
The Gospel of Matthew was written to present Jesus Christ as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the rightful King of the Jews. Its primary purpose is to prove that Jesus is the promised Savior who fulfills the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Matthew emphasizes the Kingdom of Heaven, a theme unique to his Gospel, portraying Jesus as both the divine Son of God and the authoritative teacher who reveals the righteousness of God’s kingdom. The book bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection complete God’s redemptive plan. Matthew’s Gospel also provides a blueprint for discipleship, emphasizing faith, obedience, and spreading the good news to all nations (Matthew 28:18–20).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The author of the Gospel is traditionally identified as Matthew, also called Levi, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He was a Jewish tax collector before Jesus called him to follow Him (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–28). Early church tradition strongly affirms Matthew’s authorship.
Internal Evidence: The Gospel includes detailed financial references (such as the coin in the fish’s mouth in Matthew 17:27 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30), which align with Matthew’s background as a tax collector and accountant.
External Evidence: Early Christian writers confirm Matthew’s authorship:
Papias (c. A.D. 100–140), as quoted by Eusebius in Ecclesiastical History (Book 3, Chapter 39), wrote: “Matthew composed the oracles (sayings) in the Hebrew language, and everyone interpreted them as he was able.”
Irenaeus (c. A.D. 180), in Against Heresies (Book 3, Chapter 1), stated that “Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome.”
Origen (c. A.D. 230) and Eusebius both affirmed Matthew as the author of the first Gospel.Additionally, the Gospel itself aligns with Jewish customs and thought, indicating that its author had a deep understanding of Jewish law and prophecy—consistent with Matthew’s identity as a Jewish disciple.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – The central figure, revealed as the Messiah, King, and Son of God.
Mary and Joseph – The earthly parents of Jesus, demonstrating faith and obedience.
John the Baptist – The forerunner who prepared the way for Christ through repentance and baptism.
The Twelve Disciples – Including Peter, James, John, Andrew, and Matthew himself, chosen by Jesus to continue His ministry.
The Pharisees and Sadducees – Religious leaders who opposed Jesus and represent hypocrisy and legalism.
Pontius Pilate – The Roman governor who authorized Jesus’ crucifixion.
Mary Magdalene – A faithful follower of Jesus who witnessed His resurrection.
The Angel of the Lord – A recurring messenger of God’s direction and revelation throughout the narrative.
Conclusion
The Book of Matthew serves as a powerful declaration that Jesus Christ is the promised King and Savior who fulfills God’s covenant promises. It bridges prophecy with fulfillment, law with grace, and Israel’s hope with the world’s redemption. Matthew’s Gospel calls believers to recognize Jesus not only as the Messiah of Israel but as the Redeemer of all humanity. Through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus reveals the heart of God and the call for His followers to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. The book concludes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), reminding us that God’s purpose for His people is to share His truth, make disciples, and continue His work on earth through faith, obedience, and love.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Matthew 19
In Matthew 19, God’s character is revealed as faithful, holy, and loving. Through Jesus’ teachings on marriage, we see that God honors covenant relationships and calls His people to reflect His faithfulness in their own lives. His heart for children shows His tenderness and accessibility to those who approach Him with humility. The encounter with the rich young ruler reveals God’s compassion and truth—He loves us enough to call us to surrender everything that competes with Him. The lesson in this chapter teaches that following God requires wholehearted devotion, humility, and trust in His promises rather than in worldly wealth.
The Hebrew names of God reflected here include Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness), shown in Jesus’ call to righteous living through faithfulness and moral purity, and El Shaddai (God Almighty), who alone provides the power to do what seems impossible—such as being saved or living in true obedience. God reminds His followers that salvation is not earned by human strength but made possible only through Him.
Matthew 20
In Matthew 20, God’s character is revealed as generous, just, and sovereign. Through the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, Jesus illustrates that God’s grace is not based on merit or time served but on His divine generosity. He rewards according to His goodness, not human expectation, showing that His ways transcend our sense of fairness. When Jesus teaches about servant leadership, we see God’s humility reflected in Christ—the One who came not to be served but to serve. The lesson here is that greatness in God’s Kingdom is measured by service, humility, and surrender to His divine will.
The Hebrew name that reflects God’s nature in this chapter is Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide), as seen in His abundant provision of grace to all who labor in His vineyard, regardless of when they come. God’s provision is not limited by human standards; He supplies each need out of His own goodness. This chapter reminds believers that God’s grace and reward are gifts, not wages, and our calling is to serve with gratitude rather than comparison.
Matthew 21
In Matthew 21, God’s character is revealed as righteous, sovereign, and full of authority. Jesus’ triumphal entry shows Him as the humble King who fulfills prophecy, yet His cleansing of the temple demonstrates His zeal for holiness and truth. Through the parables, God reveals His justice and patience—He gives opportunity for repentance but also executes righteous judgment upon those who reject Him. His authority over creation, worship, and the hearts of men shows that He is both Savior and Judge. The lesson in this chapter teaches that God desires genuine fruit from His people—faith that produces obedience and lives that honor His lordship.
The Hebrew names reflected here include Jehovah Nissi (The Lord is My Banner), as Jesus enters Jerusalem victoriously, representing God’s authority and triumph, and El Elyon (The Most High God), seen in His supreme rule over the temple, Israel, and the nations. This chapter reminds us that God is both merciful and just—He calls His people to bear fruit worthy of His Kingdom and to live under the covering of His divine authority.
Matthew 22
In Matthew 22, God’s character is revealed as wise, righteous, and inviting. Through the parable of the wedding banquet, He displays His grace by extending an invitation to all, yet His holiness requires that guests come clothed in righteousness. Jesus’ wisdom silences the religious leaders, revealing God’s unmatched understanding and sovereignty over all human reasoning. His declaration of the greatest commandments—love for God and love for neighbor—shows that His nature is rooted in love and relational truth. The lesson in this chapter teaches that God calls His people to genuine relationship, wholehearted devotion, and love that flows from obedience.
There are no specific Hebrew names mentioned in this chapter, but God’s nature aligns closely with Elohim Chayim (The Living God)—the source of all truth and wisdom. He is not a distant ruler but the living, active King who invites humanity into His Kingdom through faith and righteousness. The chapter reminds us that responding rightly to God’s invitation requires humility, love, and a life that reflects the heart of the King.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
What does Jesus’ teaching on marriage in Matthew 19 reveal about God’s faithfulness and design for covenant relationships?
How does God’s interaction with the rich young ruler show both His love and His demand for complete devotion?
In the parable of the vineyard workers (Matthew 20), what does God’s generosity teach us about His grace and sovereignty?
How does Jesus’ humility in serving others (Matthew 20:28) reflect God’s servant-hearted nature?
What does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple in Matthew 21 teach us about God’s holiness and His expectation for pure worship?
How does the parable of the wedding banquet (Matthew 22) reveal God’s heart as both gracious and just?
In what ways do these chapters together portray God as both Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Who Provides) and El Elyon (The Most High God), balancing grace with authority?
Questions About Themes:
How do humility, obedience, and faith connect as key themes across these four chapters?
What does the rich young ruler’s story reveal about the tension between worldly attachments and spiritual surrender?
How does the parable of the vineyard workers challenge human ideas of fairness and reveal the Kingdom’s standard of grace?
What recurring theme do we see in Jesus’ parables about those who reject God’s invitation or fail to bear fruit?
How does Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem symbolize the coming of a different kind of Kingdom—one built on peace and humility?
In what ways does Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees and Sadducees demonstrate divine wisdom that surpasses human understanding?
How do these chapters collectively teach that entrance into God’s Kingdom requires both repentance and a heart transformed by love?
Reflective Application Questions:
What areas of your life might God be calling you to greater faithfulness and surrender, like the rich young ruler?
How can you show the same humility and servant-heartedness that Jesus modeled in Matthew 20:26–28?
When you are tempted to compare your service or blessings to others, how can you refocus on God’s grace and sovereignty instead?
In what ways do you need to “cleanse your temple”—removing distractions or attitudes that hinder true worship?
How can you actively respond to God’s invitation to the “wedding banquet” by living a life clothed in righteousness?
What steps can you take to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself, as Jesus commands in Matthew 22?
How do these chapters challenge you to live with Kingdom purpose—seeking to please God rather than people, and trusting His timing, justice, and grace?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
Comments