MEDITATIONS FROM THE PARABLES OF JESUS
THE LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD
Read Matthew 20:1-16
The disciples of Jesus saw the rich
young man go away sadly because he was unwilling to give up his riches and
follow Jesus, and they had heard Jesus' words about how hard it is for a rich
man to enter into the
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard illustrates these words of Jesus and warns against the assumption that those who work harder, longer, or give up more for Christ deserve a greater reward. In this parable, even those who were hired and began working in the vineyard at the eleventh hour received the same wages as those who had toiled for the full day. The householder graciously paid them for a full day's work.
God also rewards those who deny themselves and labor in His kingdom; but God's rewards are rewards of His grace and are not earned or deserved. As sinners, we do not even deserve to be in His kingdom. It is only by God's grace in Jesus Christ--because Christ died for our sins and rose again--that we are forgiven and brought into God's kingdom. The rewards given for labor and sacrifice in God's kingdom are also God's gracious gifts for Christ's sake. If we assume that we have earned a greater reward because of our hard work in the kingdom, we are in grave danger of losing, not only God's gracious reward for our labor but also our place in God's kingdom as well; for all of this is ours by grace alone! If one becomes a Christian late in life, works only a short time in God's kingdom and receives a great reward, we should rejoice and praise God for His grace rather than grumble because we did not receive more.
O Father, God of Love, hear Thou my supplication; O Savior, Son of God, grant me Thy full salvation; and Thou, O Holy Ghost, be Thou my faithful Guide that I may serve Thee here and there with Thee abide. Amen. (TLH, Hymn #417, Verse 7)