Matthew 20:1-16

Introduction:

1. This parable is an extension of Jesus’ answer to Peter’s question in Matthew 19:27 concerning the reward for all he and the others sacrificed.

2. They struggled with His statement on the perils of riches (Matthew 19:23-26).

3. The key to overcoming their struggle was focusing on God’s gracious gifts.

Discussion:

I. Help Wanted (vv. 1-7)

A. Day labor was commonplace in ancient Palestine.

B. Workers gathered at the marketplace and awaited being hired.

C. The first hired agreed to a stipulated wage (vs. 2).

D. The rest simply trusted the landowner to pay them right (vv. 4, 7).

II. A Day’s Work For A Day’s Pay (vv. 8-12)

A. Laborers were to be paid at day’s end (Deuteronomy 24:14-15).

B. The first hired became angry and complained when the eleventh-hour workers received the same pay they had (vv. 10-12).

III. God’s Gracious Provisions (vv. 13-16)

A. Peter’s question in 19:27 in effect called God’s grace into question.

B. Like the first hired laborers, Peter was seeking his fair market value.

C. This overlooks the fact that all of this was provided by God’s grace rather than the laborer’s inherent value.

D. Such concerns impede faithful service in the kingdom.

Conclusion:

1. Several keys to receiving God’s gracious provisions:

a. The stipulations of the agreement were clearly explained and accepted.

b. It all belongs to God, so He can bless as He sees fit (Acts 5:4).

c. God’s gifts are by “by grace, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9), not time served.

2. None of us is worthy of heaven, so we ought to rejoice and make merry over those who were dead but have been made alive (Luke 15:32; Ephesians 2:1, 4-6).

3. Though it is best to begin working in His vineyard early, is it not a great comfort to know He accepts and rewards even those who start late?