Matthew 20:1-16

Keep in mind our comments in the previous article. This parable is directly connected to the previous incident with the rich young ruler. The ruler had asked what good thing he could do to have eternal life. He clearly saw salvation based on a system of works whereby a person would enter heaven based on his goodness and exemplary deeds. When the ruler went away sorrowful, the apostles were astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied that with man it was impossible, but with God all things are possible. Jesus concluded by saying, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” This is the same statement He made at the end of the parable.

Now notice in the parable the difference between the first hour laborers and the rest. The first hour laborers went into the vineyard based on an agreement: so much work for so much pay. However, the rest of the laborers entered the vineyard based on trust in the master. There was no agreement. There was no bargaining. Nothing was said like, “I’ll work for you if you pay me so much.” No, instead they trusted the Master. To the third hour laborers the master simply said, “Whatever is right I will give you.” With the eleventh hour laborers there isn’t even a record of a promise. When asked why they had been idle all day, their reply was that no one had hired them. So the master said, “You go into the vineyard too.”

Ask yourself this question: when the payment came at the end of the day, who received what their work was worth and who received more than what they were worth? Upon whom did the master extend graciousness? It was latter hour laborers who received more than what they were worth. They had entered the kingdom on the basis of trust and the master rewarded them based on his goodness (vs. 15). Now, ask yourself this: on the Day of Judgment, do you want to receive from the Lord what you are worth or are you trusting the Lord will give you more than what you are worth? Do you seek payment for your works or do you seek grace because you know you are unworthy?

These two groups represent the two ways men seek salvation. Some, like the first hour laborers, seek it on the basis of being paid equal to their work. The rest work in the vineyard for the love of working for the Master and simply trust Him for the rest (Heb. 11:6). In context, people like the ruler and the rest of the Jews who sought salvation based on works (Rom. 9:30-33), are the first hour laborers. They will be lost, just as Jesus said in Luke 13:23-30 when He used the same statement: “the first will be last…”

Berry Kercheville