THE VINEYARD WORKERS

“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the workers on one denarius, he sent them into his vineyard for the day” (Matthew 20:1-2).

The landowner represents God. We’re the workers.

Some of the vineyard workers were hired early in the morning, others throughout the day, until finally, some were hired late in the afternoon. At the end of the workday, when the paymaster gave the workers one denarius each, the workers who had been in the hot sun all day were displeased. If those who worked only an hour or two received a denarius, then, they reasoned, the pay due them was much greater.

The vineyard owner replied, “friend, I’m doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me on a denarius? Take what’s yours and go. I want to give this last man the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what is mine? Are you jealous because I’m generous?” (Matthew 20:13-15).

What was Jesus attempting to teach?

First, see that God is sovereign. If God wants to do something, it’s His prerogative. He’s the King. He can do as He pleases.

Second, grace is better than justice. The landowner would have been justified in giving the workers who labored for a short time a small percentage of a day’s wage. Oh God, please don’t give me what I deserve!

Third, God is merciful. The vineyard owner didn’t give the workers what they rightfully deserved, but what they needed in order to provide for their families.

And lastly, the vineyard owner models righteous kingdom behavior and invites us to abandon our materialistic, selfish, covetous, greedy ways.

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).