Matthew 20:8 – 16

“Vineyard Workers 2”

8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’

9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.

10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.

11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,

12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’

13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?

14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.

15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’

16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

The owner has his work manager call the workers to pay them for the day's labors. He has them call them by the last hired and pay in the reverse order of employment. There is no custom or business rule suggesting this method of pay, but Jesus is using idea in order to make his lesson.

The men who were paid first did not know how much they would be paid, when hired the agreement was they would be paid what ever was right. They were paid one denarious.

These men who were hired first supposed they would be paid more because the ones who had only worked a portion of the day was paid what was their agreed to wage for the whole day. They were not shorted on the agreed to wage, they had agreed to the “denarius” for their wage for the day. But they “supposed” which is the mistake many make when it comes to God's word. They compared themselves to their co-workers, which is another mistake which is unwise according to (2 Corinthians 10:12[ For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.])

They complained to the landowner about the wages they received, which was the amount they had agreed to when they were hired. When hired they did not complain about the amount they would be paid.

These men who complained were complaining about the land owner making the last men hired equal to the first men employed. What was relevant is that all of the men hired that day had gone to work at the first opportunity given to them. When the first men were hired they knew they would have to do a full day's work and they would be working through the hottest part of the work day. The land owner merely fulfilled the work contract he had with the laborers.

The landowner replied honestly, he lived up to his part of the agreement which was made at the time of hiring.

These men wanted more than what was agreed to, the owner told them to take the agreed upon wages and go, as owner it was his right to pay the others the same if he wanted to.

He had the right to do with his money what he wished to do, the evil eye indicates they were envious of the good favor bestowed on the late hirees.

This last verse shows the point Jesus is wanting to make with this parable. The ones who were first in line were the last (or least inclined ) in showing an attitude of appreciation towards the landowner. Jesus made the application during the circumstances which are covered by the parable.

He also adds the “Many called, few chosen”. Everyone is called by the Gospel and many accept the call, but only a few out of the group of who accept the call will qualify themselves for the final judgment by righteous use of the scriptures.

That is why we need to make sure we are following God's word sincerely and diligently. (2 Peter 1:10[Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;])