THE PARABLES | The Labourers in the Vineyard (Matt 20:1-16)
THE PARABLES | The Labourers in the Vineyard (Matt 20:1-16)
Must thou give me sour looks, because I am generous?
Matthew 20:15, Knox Translation
Matthew 20:15, Knox Translation
Context: In response to Peter’s question of rewards, Jesus gave this parable of a vineyard owner who hired labourers from 6 a.m., then periodically throughout the day until 5 p.m. Payment of wages, a denarius, at the end of the day was in harmony with the Mosaic Law (Deut 24:14-15). The all-day workers complained at receiving exactly the same as those working just one hour.
Meaning: Some see this parable as referring to the Pharisee’s attitude towards the ‘last hour’ disciples. Others apply it to the Jews chosen first for the kingdom before the Gentiles. However, Jesus was answering Peter’s question in Matthew 19:27: “We have left all things and followed you; what actually will there be for us?” Although 19:28-29 mentions the future reward of rulership and eternal life in the regeneration and the present hundredfold (10,000%) blessings, it appears that Peter was serving in a contractual, compensational way – an erroneous ‘work-for-salvation’ ethic.
Application: The 12-hour workers wanted a work agreement first but the other workers had no such contract but trusted the owner to give them what was right. Don’t make bargains with God, just let Him give us “exceedingly abundantly above all that [we] ask or think” (Eph 3:20). The key phrase in Romans chapter 5 is “much more” (vs 9, 10,15,17,20). The Lord is not clock watching or assessing our accomplishments (where would the thief next to Jesus stand?) - but the “crown of life” is given according to His grace. Beware of comparing ourselves with other workers; we are co-labourers with the Lord, not competitors against the Lord’s people (John 21:19-21).
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The operative principle in the kingdom is not merit but grace.
The operative principle in the kingdom is not merit but grace.
