Matthew 20:1-16 #1

Matthew 20:1-16 #1
In this article, I want to begin by challenging you to see some of the details of this wonderful parable, the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard.
Notice the last verse of chapter 19: “But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Mt. 19:30). Now notice how Jesus concludes this parable in 20:16, “So the last will be first, and the first last.” Does that give you a clue as to what this parable is about? Jesus had concluded His dissertation concerning the rich ruler with these words and the parable is an explanation of what it means for the first to be last and the last to be first. In fact, right after he utters these words in 19:30, He begins the parable with, “For the kingdom of heaven is like…” See, He is explaining the phrase by the parable.
Consider also that the typical understanding of this text does not fit with the context. It has been traditional to believe that Jesus was teaching that whether a person became a Christian in their youth and served the Lord all their life or whether a person became a Christian in the last year of their life, they would both get the same reward. While this principle is true, is that what the parable is teaching? How does the context of the rich ruler and Jesus’ admonitions concerning the wealthy entering the kingdom, fit with that interpretation? Why would Jesus suddenly start talking about how everyone will receive the same reward regardless of his or her service in the kingdom?
Consider verses 10-11. Can you imagine any saved person on the Day of Judgment grumbling about someone else being saved because of the relative length of their service in the kingdom? What kind of Christian would complain about someone else being saved? Isn’t the love of souls in the heart of every true child of God?
Consider also verse 15. Jesus said, “Is your eye evil because I am good?” (NKJV). Is Jesus saving a person on that last day who is a grumbler and who has an evil eye?
Finally, consider that the first hour laborers are considered last. There is something about their condition that did not match up with the third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hour laborers. In Luke 13:30, Jesus uses this same phrase, and in that context the last are lost!
Now look at the parable more carefully. Have you figured it out yet? In our next article, we will explore some answers.
Berry Kercheville