Thought for the Week

We examine a parable given only in Matthew 20. We might be challenged. Is it fair? As are many parables of Jesus, this one proposes something to be like the Kingdom of Heaven (or of God). It is a vineyard owner. Background tells us grape harvest takes place in early fall, immediately following come fall rains. The rains are heavy at times and if they come early or the harvest is delayed, the rains will ruin the grape crop. So we know it is imperative to get the harvest done as soon as it is ripe. Our parable: The vineyard owner goes to the marketplace. It is where day laborers gather awaiting hire for the day which begins at 6 a.m. The owner bargains with men for a “penny a day,” which was the salary for a Roman soldier. The men agree to the wage and go to the vineyard. For whatever reason, the owner returns to the marketplace at 9 a.m. This time there is no bargain struck. He simply tells them to go to work and he will give them what is fair. They trust him and set off. This is repeated at noon, at 3 p.m. and finally at 5 p.m., just one hour before the official end of the workday. Why the owner goes to the marketplace five times is not particularly important, except he knows it is imperative to get the harvest done. Now it was the custom that day-laborers receive their wage at the end of the day. Their standard of living was “hand to mouth.” If they did not get paid a day, the family did not eat that day. So the owner tells his payroll clerk to make settlement and to begin with those last hired. When paid, each received a penny. I expect it was a very pleasant surprise for those who had only worked one hour. There would have been rejoicing in that family and no less so for the men and their families who worked less than a full day. Now we come to those who had contracted at daybreak for a penny for a full day’s work. They received what they had bargained for. They were also aware those who worked less time had gotten a full day’s wage, were disappointed, and grumbled about the owner. Without reason, they supposed they would receive more than they had bargained for. Had they received less, they would have had reason to grumble or complain. The owner confronts them saying they had no reason to complain. He had fulfilled the terms of their “agreed-upon” contract. What was the reason for this parable? We are not sure, but know there had been some discussion about how God would treat Jesus’ disciples. We know no one can earn Heaven. We know God is not obligated or in debt to anyone. We should, as the later-hired workmen trust the generous heart of the vineyard owner (God in this case). None are admitted to heaven because of their length of service, their type of kingdom work, or some sort of contract to which God is obligated. The later-hired workmen do set an example for us. They exhibit two things God requires: 1. We trust Him (believing He will do exceeding abundantly above all we ask of think for those who love and serve Him.) 2. We obey Him (Doing whatever He asks us to do as laborers in His vineyard. It could be almost anything that continues to fulfill the earthly work of Jesus.) In another place Jesus tells us the reward and commendation of God to His servants is: “Well done good and faithful servant...”

Scriptures to Read

St. Matthew 20:1-5

St. Matthew 20:6-12

St. Matthew 20:13-16

St. Matthew 19:27-30

Ephesians 2:3-10

St. Matthew 25:14-17

St. Matthew 25:19-23