Matt. 20:1-16

2 kinds of metaphorical language: “A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly refers to one thing by mentioning another for rhetorical effect.”

2 kinds of metaphorical language: Parables Allegories

Parables Not every part of is a metaphor Allegories everything is individually symbolic

An Allegory sacrifices logic for multi-layered symbolism. A Parable sacrifices symbolism for rationale of the story.

“Many who are first on earth shall be last in heaven…”

“For” (or “because”)

v8 “‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’”

Extent of reward depends on something other than hourly rate, or difficulty of service, or how old you were when you began serving.

4 Essential Points we can draw Eternal Reward is not going to make this life easier. CS Lewis - The Weight of Glory “Almost all our modern philosophies have been devised to convince us that the good of man is to be found on this earth.”

4 Essential Points we can draw 2. Never confuse mercy with injustice. Romans 9:15-16

4 Essential Points we can draw 3. Jesus is not saying that everyone gets the same reward. - Matthew 5:12 - Matthew 25:21 - 1 Corinthians 3:8

4 Essential Points we can draw 4. This not a parable about Salvation, but Reward. - Romans 4:4-6 1 Corinthians 3:13-15

Matt 18:1-4 “1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Mark 9:33-37 “33 After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” 34 But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. 35 He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.””

Matt 23:11-12 “11 The greatest among you shall be your servant Matt 23:11-12 “11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

“Follow Me” Hebrews 12:2 “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”