The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard

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Lesson 12 The Parable of the Laborers in the
Vineyard
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The Parable of the Laborers in the VineyardThe
Background
Matt. 201-16

• 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 (1916-27).
• Peter was somewhat boastful in claiming, We have
  left all, and so he asked, What then shall we
  have? (1925-27).
• Jesus promised great blessings but cautions, But
  many who are first will be last, and the last
  first (1930).
• This story and this final statement are obvious
  reasons for Jesus telling this parable (cf. 208,
  16).

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The Parable of the Laborers in the VineyardThe
Narrative
Matt. 201-16

• 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. 652),
  although man is not always seeking Him (Eph. 2)
• The kingdom is a place for laborers (cf. Gal.
  54 Eph. 210 Phil. 212 1 Tim. 210 Heb.
  1024). It is not a retirement community.
• Labor is rewarded only if performed within the
  Lords vineyard. All other is for nothing.

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The Parable of the Laborers in the VineyardThe
Narrative
Matt. 201-16

• 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.

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The Parable of the Laborers in the VineyardThe
Narrative
Matt. 201-16

• All of the laborers were paid the samea
  denarius/shilling.
• This represents eternal life.
• But there is no suggestion that we earn a right
  to heaven (cf. Rom. 623).

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The Parable of the Laborers in the VineyardThe
Narrative
Matt. 201-16

• The landowner rewarded the laborers/ workers
  consistent with his will, in spite of the
  murmuring of others.
• The sovereignty of God is emphasizedno one has
  the right to judge what the Almighty does.
• 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?
• Workers should not be envious if others receive
  the same reward Is your eye evil b/c I am good?

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The Parable of the Laborers in the VineyardThe
Narrative
Matt. 201-16

• 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.

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The Parable of the Laborers in the VineyardThe
Narrative
Matt. 201-16

• 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
  1243-44 Matt. 2610-13).
• The disciples, who were constantly quarreling
  about rank (cf. Matt. 181 2020 Luke 2224),
  should have taken note.

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The Parable of the Laborers in the
VineyardLessons/Truths
Matt. 201-16

• 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 day of judgment will be a great leveler,
  because the Lord does not see as man sees (cf. 1
  Sam. 167). There will be some surprises.
• We must avoid a disposition which attempts to
  bargain with God for what Hell give us.
• 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. 1012).
• It is service, not seniority, that counts with
  God.
• God is gracious merciful beyond what we deserve.