Lesson 12: The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard: The Background The rich young ruler had just come to Jesus to find eternal life, but due to his unwillingness to sacrifice all he had in order to follow Jesus, he went away sorrowfully (19:16-27).The rich young ruler had just come to Jesus to find eternal life, but due to his unwillingness to sacrifice all he had in order to follow Jesus, he went away sorrowfully (19:16-27). Peter was somewhat boastful in claiming, “We have left all,” and so he asked, “What then shall we have?” (19:25-27).Peter was somewhat boastful in claiming, “We have left all,” and so he asked, “What then shall we have?” (19:25-27). Jesus promised great blessings but cautions, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (19:30).Jesus promised great blessings but cautions, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (19:30). This story and this final statement are obvious reasons for Jesus telling this parable (cf. 20:8, 16).This story and this final statement are obvious reasons for Jesus telling this parable (cf. 20:8, 16). Matt. 20:1-16

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.”“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.” –God seeks to bring man back to Him (Isa. 65:2), although man is not always seeking Him (Eph. 2) –The kingdom is a place for laborers (cf. Gal. 5:4; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 2:12; 1 Tim. 2:10; Heb. 10:24). It is not a retirement community. –Labor is rewarded only if performed within the Lord’s vineyard. All other is for nothing. The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard: The Narrative Matt. 20:1-16

The laborers were employed at various hours of the day.The laborers were employed at various hours of the day. –Different hours represent conversions at varying periods of life –Workers promised to be given whatever is right –Activity performed outside of the vineyard is viewed by God as “idle” (v. 3, 6). –Jesus is not advocating delaying obedience. All workers accepted labor as soon as it was offered. Eleventh hour workers entered the vineyard at the first opportunity they had. The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard: The Narrative Matt. 20:1-16

All of the laborers were paid the same—a denarius/shilling.All of the laborers were paid the same—a denarius/shilling. –This represents eternal life. –But there is no suggestion that we “earn” a right to heaven (cf. Rom. 6:23). The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard: The Narrative Matt. 20:1-16

The landowner rewarded the laborers/ workers consistent with his will, in spite of the murmuring of others.The landowner rewarded the laborers/ workers consistent with his will, in spite of the murmuring of others. –The sovereignty of God is emphasized—no one has the right to judge what the Almighty does. What everyone receives will be more than “fair” – “Did you not agree with me?”What everyone receives will be more than “fair” – “Did you not agree with me?” No one has the right to question the “generosity” of the Lord – “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?”No one has the right to question the “generosity” of the Lord – “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?” Workers should not be “envious” if others receive the same reward— “Is your eye evil b/c I am good?”Workers should not be “envious” if others receive the same reward— “Is your eye evil b/c I am good?” The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard: The Narrative Matt. 20:1-16

The landowner rewarded the laborers/ workers consistent with his will, in spite of the murmuring of others.The landowner rewarded the laborers/ workers consistent with his will, in spite of the murmuring of others. –Some workers work for pay; to them work is a duty. Other workers work without thinking of the pay, depending solely on the generosity of the owner to do what is right, trusting Him. –Though some may personally labor well, their disposition toward others may need improvement. The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard: The Narrative Matt. 20:1-16

The last shall be first, and the first last.The last shall be first, and the first last. –Many who are now considered “pillars in the church” will be last, and many who are/were the least in the kingdom and went mostly unnoticed shall be first on the day of judgment (cf. Mark 12:43-44; Matt. 26:10-13). –The disciples, who were constantly quarreling about rank (cf. Matt. 18:1; 20:20; Luke 22:24), should have taken note. The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard: The Narrative Matt. 20:1-16

God is compassionate and seeks sinners.God is compassionate and seeks sinners. The Lord is generous in that He rewards those who serve Him, even though their opportunity for service may have been limited. There is work for everyone.The Lord is generous in that He rewards those who serve Him, even though their opportunity for service may have been limited. There is work for everyone. The day of judgment will be a great leveler, because the Lord does not see as man sees (cf. 1 Sam. 16:7). There will be some surprises.The day of judgment will be a great leveler, because the Lord does not see as man sees (cf. 1 Sam. 16:7). There will be some surprises. We must avoid a disposition which attempts to bargain with God for what He’ll give us.We must avoid a disposition which attempts to bargain with God for what He’ll give us. One should not serve the Lord with a commercial or mercenary spirit – “what I get out of it.”One should not serve the Lord with a commercial or mercenary spirit – “what I get out of it.” We ought not to compare ourselves with others (cf. 2 Cor. 10:12).We ought not to compare ourselves with others (cf. 2 Cor. 10:12). It is service, not seniority, that counts with God.It is service, not seniority, that counts with God. God is gracious & merciful beyond what we deserve.God is gracious & merciful beyond what we deserve. The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard: Lessons/Truths Matt. 20:1-16