Matthew 20:1-11
Jesus told this parable towards the end of his ministry. We often hear children say, ‘It’s not fair!’ Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who seems unfair when it comes to paying his workers. We see God’s justice and fairness in relation to the promises He makes.
This parable is about a landowner who needs workers for his vineyard. The landowner goes to the marketplace early in the morning to find workers. When they agree to work for a denarius a day, he sends them to work. Later, he sends other workers into his vineyard, promising to give them what is right. He returns again to the marketplace, and again. When there is only one hour of work to go, when it is so late in the day (v6), he goes back and asks those who are still standing there and invites them into the vineyard.
When paying the labourers, they are paid in an unexpected way – those who were hired last were paid first. This was not the normal practise. Imagine how the workers who had worked all day felt. They expected to be called first. It would have been considered by them as being disrespectful to pay others first. They didn’t say anything, but when they also received a denarius each, they complained. We are drawn into this situation, to see these workers receive their wage and see how they felt.
The disciples were drawn into thinking about the situation. Why shouldn’t the workers be paid more for working longer? Why should they all be paid the same? The landowner responds, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?” (Matthew 20:13). He gives a good reason why he has paid them all the same wage. It might not seem fair, but he has done nothing wrong. He can do what he wants with his own money.
What was the purpose of this parable? Jesus is speaking to His disciples. In the previous chapter they had experienced a rich young ruler who wanted assurance of eternal life (Matthew 19:16). To see this man, who they thought highly of, walk away, had a major effect on the disciples. The man was very rich, seeking to keep the law. Even harder, Jesus then said in verse 24 how hard it is for the rich to be saved. Peter then asked, ‘Who can be saved? ’Jesus’ response is, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26).
Peter then says, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” (Matthew 19:27). Peter is comparing himself with the rich young ruler. His attitude is, ‘What’s in it for us? We’ve left everything to follow you.’ He was thinking of the sacrifices he has made: a fishing business, his family and home. He has spent his time learning from Jesus. He wants to know should he carry on or be like the rich young man and walk away.
Christians today can ask, ‘What can I expect from coming to church? What can I expect from reading my Bible? What can I expect from the pain and suffering I go through for the Lord Jesus Christ?’ Jesus gave an answer to Peter’s question, “28 Jesus said to them,“Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28). Yes! There was something in it for Peter. He and the other disciples would judge along with Christ. Verses 29 shows there is a reward for all of us, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29).
Then Jesus gives a warning in verse 30, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” He is challenging Peter and the disciples about what they thought about the rich young ruler. Jesus tells the parable to explain what he means. We read the same words in chapter 20, “So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matthew 20:16). This is a reversal of the order that is expected. The Kingdom of heaven is different from what we expect in this world.
Let us consider what God has done in our salvation.
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14). It is very clear that this parable is all about our salvation. The landowner is God, the marketplace is the world, the workers in the vineyard are Christians serving God and the idle in the market place are unbelievers. We see God’s compassion for the lost, His desire that all may enter His kingdom.
We need to be reminded of God’s love for us. He will call all, throughout the day. He promises if they come into His vineyard they will receive a wage – eternal life. He doesn’t speak of an hourly rate, in other words, working for our salvation. He talks of one wage for all, which is not dependent on what they do or how long they work. All who come into God’s kingdom receive eternal life. If you are a child of God and have repented of your sin, you will receive eternal life.
It also reminds us that all who enter the Kingdom have been called by God, who have come through the lord Jesus Christ. There are idlers found in the world, but not in the vineyard. They workers in the vineyard gladly work for the landowner, to serve him. If we are a Christian today, we will serve the Lord in what a way He has called us to do.
The landowner calls people at different times of the day. God calls people at different times in their lives. Some were called as a child, others when they are older, some at the end of their life (think of the thief on the cross). This parable is a picture of salvation.
Which group are you in? Do you grumble or are you full of joy? How do you value your salvation? Do you come to read your Bible with great joy?
Penuel Baptist Chapel, Roch 