– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Day Labourers
In Matthew 13 we found a series of parables often referred to as the kingdom parables. However, parables about the kingdom of heaven are not exclusive to that chapter. OUr text today, Matthew 20:1-16, also presents a kingdom parable.
Jesus likened God’s kingdom to a vineyard, which the landowner sent workers into. He hired labourers early in the morning, and agreed to pay them a denarius for their day of work. Later in the day, at the third hour, at the sixth hour, at the nineth hour, and even at the eleventh hour, he found more labourers at the marketplace and compelled them to go into his vineyard, promising that he would pay them whatever was right.
At the end of the day, it was time to pay the workers. The steward of the landowner paid the workers, beginning with those hired at the eleventh hour. Jesus tells us
...when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. (Matthew 20:9-10)
As you might expect, the men who worked the entire day complained against the landowner, for they received the same wage as those who worked just an hour. The landowner reminded them that they had agreed to a denarius and that he had paid them as promised. He said,
Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? (Matthew 20:14-15)
At first glance, the men who worked through the heat of the day seem to have a valid argument. Surely those who did more deserve more pay. But it is important to remember that Jesus is not teaching us about wage rates for day labourers. This is a parable—a physical story with a spiritual lesson. So, what lessons can be learned from the parable of the day labourers?
The vineyard is the church. The workers in the vineyard are Christians. People will come to the kingdom at different times in their lives. Some become Christians early in life while others do not respond to the gospel until their golden years. In the kingdom, it does not matter whether we have been a Christian for most of our life or for just a day—the reward is the same. All faithful Christians have the hope of heaven.
The workers who served in the vineyard through the heat of the day murmur and complain just like the elder child in the parable of the prodigal son. He angrily said to his father:
Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him. (Luke 15:29-30)
The Father commended his elder son for his faithfulness, but added:
It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found. (Luke 15:32)
Those who have been in the church for years must be careful not to develop the attitude of those who worked through the heat of the day, or that which is found in the elder brother. We are not more valuable, we are not more important, nor do we deserve more than the one who just obeyed the gospel. We should rejoice for all in the Lord’s vineyard, whether they came long ago or recent, for each member of the body of Christ is a soul saved from condemnation.
Some have used texts such as 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 or Matthew 25:19-30 to say there are varying degrees of reward in heaven. Our text in Matthew 20:8-15 reveals that such is not the case. Every person, regardless the duration of labour, received the same reward. The parable of the talents distinguishes the servants by their abilities, not their rewards. The master gave to each according to his ability (Matthew 25:15). However, when they settled accounts with the master, he rewarded the faithful servantts equally (Matthew 25:21, 23).
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 says our work will be tested. What work? It has nothing to do with our faithfulness to the Lord, for if we are not faithful, there is no reward (Matthew 25:30). In the context, Paul speaks of our role in the work of evangelism (v 5-9). What is the “reward” or “loss” he speaks about? It deals with whether those we had a part in bringing to Christ endure to eternal life or not. If they are faithful, we will see them in heaven. If they are not faithful, we will not enjoy their presence in heaven. There are no extras or bonuses in heaven—being in the presence of God for eternity is our reward.
Links: YouVersion | GROW magazine
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