Matthew 20 | The Parable of the Laborers In the Vineyard | The Bible

Summary

This script is a parable about a vineyard owner who hires workers at different times of the day, all receiving the same pay despite varying work hours. It teaches that those who follow and sacrifice for the gospel will be rewarded in this life and the next, emphasizing that many who are first may become last, and the last may become first, highlighting the unpredictability of divine grace and the importance of humility.

Takeaways

• 🌟 'Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee.' - This line emphasizes the complete dedication and sacrifice made by followers.
• 📜 'Verily I say unto you, There is no man...' - Assurance is given that those who leave everything for the sake of the gospel will receive a greater reward in this life and the next.
• 🏆 'But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.' - A reversal of expectations is promised, where those who are last may be first in the kingdom of heaven.
• 🏭 'For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder...' - The parable of the laborers in the vineyard is introduced to illustrate a point about rewards and timing.
• ⏰ 'And he went out about the third hour...' - The householder seeks additional workers at various times of the day, showing a consistent effort to fill the need.
• 🤝 'And whatsoever is right I will give you.' - The agreement with the laborers is based on fairness and justice, promising them what is right for their work.
• 🕒 'And about the eleventh hour he went out...' - Even at the last hour, the householder seeks to employ those who are idle, offering them an opportunity to work.
• 💰 'And when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward...' - At the end of the day, the householder instructs to pay the workers, starting with the last hired.
• 🤑 'But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more...' - The first hired laborers expected greater pay for their longer hours of work.
• 🔄 'So the last shall be first, and the first last...' - The principle of reversal is reiterated, emphasizing that God's ways are not always as expected by humans.

Q & A

What promise is made to those who forsake all for the sake of the gospel?

Those who leave behind their possessions, family, or loved ones for the gospel will receive manifold more in this present time and eternal life in the world to come.

What does the phrase 'many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first' signify?

This phrase suggests that those who are initially favored or have advantages may not necessarily retain their positions, while those who start last may end up in a more favorable position.

What is the parable of the laborers in the vineyard about?

The parable illustrates the idea of fairness and generosity, where the householder pays all laborers equally regardless of the time they worked, emphasizing that it is just for the employer to do as he pleases with his own.

Why did the householder go out multiple times to hire laborers?

The householder went out at different hours to hire laborers to ensure his vineyard was fully staffed, showing his proactive approach to fulfilling his needs.

What was the agreement made with the laborers for their work?

The laborers were agreed to be paid a penny a day for their work in the vineyard.

Why did the laborers hired early in the day complain about the payment?

The laborers hired early complained because they believed they should receive more since they had worked longer and harder, but they were paid the same as those who worked for a shorter time.

How does the householder respond to the complaint of the laborers who worked longer?

The householder responds by reminding them that they agreed on a wage and he is not obligated to pay more, emphasizing that it is his right to be generous with his own possessions.

What moral lesson can be learned from the householder's actions?

The moral lesson is that everyone should be content with what they have received and not compare themselves with others, as fairness and generosity can be subjective and vary from person to person.

What does the parable of the laborers teach about the kingdom of heaven?

The parable suggests that in the kingdom of heaven, all are equally valued and rewarded, regardless of the time or effort they have put in, reflecting divine generosity and fairness.

Why were some laborers idle in the marketplace?

The script does not specify why they were idle, but it could imply that they were either overlooked or had not been hired yet, highlighting the householder's initiative to give them an opportunity to work.