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Matthew 20:8-16
Jesus has begun telling a parable of the workers in the vineyard and of how the landowner has hired men to work for him throughout the day, agreeing with those who were hired first to pay them a denarius, and agreeing with those hired later in the day to pay them what is right (Matthew 20:1-7). The second half of the parable is found in Matthew 20:8-16 as Jesus tells of the landowner paying the workers at the end of the day. We must also keep in mind that Jesus began this parable by stating, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard” (Matthew 20:1, NKJV). The landowner called all the workers to him to give them the days pay, but began paying those who were hired last, first. Those who had worked for only one hour were paid a denarius, so when the time came for those who had worked all day to be paid, they expected to receive more than a denarius, but they too received a denarius. This was upsetting to them as they had worked all day but received the same amount of pay as those who worked very little. The landowner replies to them that they had agreed to a denarius for the days wage, and it is his own decision to pay the others what he wishes. Jesus ends this parable with the same words that He spoke in Matthew 19:30 which led into His telling of this parable stating, “So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”
This is an example of the sovereign authority of God to do as He chooses in the lives of all people.
A denarius was the pay for a days wage, and this generous landowner wished to pay all the workers the same for the day. The Israelites were/are God’s chosen people as He used them for an example to all the world to show His Almighty power and authority. But when the right time had come, God opened His grace and mercy to all of humanity if we would put our faith in Him and believe that He sent His One and only Son Jesus to pay for our sins so that we could live through Him (Romans 10:9-10; Galatians 3:28).
Dear LORD,
Thank You for teaching us that we are all equal in Your eyes through our faith in Your One and only Son Jesus whom You sent to save the world from sin (John 3:16-17). Please help us to realize and understand that You show grace and mercy to those who You wish and that as we are all called, few are chosen (Matthew 20:16). In Jesus name I pray, amen.