The Parable Of The Vineyard Workers

Matthew 20:1-16

1For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

2And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

5Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

6And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

7They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

8So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

9And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

10But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

11And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

12Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

13But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

14Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

15Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

16So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Friend, these are Words spoken by Jesus to His Disciples.

As a means of Teaching, He uses a parable, a story.

Here He is teaching them, that even though they believe now, and will receive recognition in Heaven from the Father for gathering in the harvest of souls; those who come after them, those they testify to and teach after they have gone from this earth, will have the same recognition in Heaven that they have, even though they laboured long and hard for the Kingdom while on earth and the newer group of disciples and testifiers may not work as long.

Isn’t this good to know?

God has made a Way for all to receive recognition as His children in Heaven if we make the choice to receive His Son into our hearts.

Here Jesus also teaches us that it is God ( The Owner of the Vineyard) who decides what the wages will be; who will be paid what amount, for this task. (our treasure in Heaven)

It is not up for negotiation with God.

He sets the rules and we, who are tainted by evil would have our brother or sister not receive the same wages because we worked “harder” and perhaps longer in tending to and gathering the harvest of souls.

To many this will seem unfair.

But to God it shows our heart.

Are we satisfied with God’s Judgement, or will we call Him the unfair Judge?

Will we demand of Him that He change His Will/Law to make an exception for us?

Will we not "work" for God if we are not heavily compensated, even more than our brothers and sisters?

When we are not compensated as we think we should be; will we quit working in the vineyard of souls?

God desires willing labourers, selfless and committed, repentant and humble, joyful and kind, helpful teachers and testifiers.