“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4 and to those he said, ‘You go into the vineyard also, and whatever is right, I will give you.’ And so they went. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’
8 “Now when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, starting with the last group to the first.’ 9 When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. 10 And so when those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day’s work and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go; but I want to give to this last person the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ 16 So the last shall be first, and the first, last.”
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:
Jesus was not (just) talking about jobs and income here. He used this experience because this is what people understood. A denarius was a full day's pay. And those who worked the fields understood that time was of the essence, because of the urgency to finish the harvesting before sundown; so those coming to work for that last hour would have worked extra hard and extra fast, even though they would never have expected to be paid a full day's wage.
Other facts about this society is good to understand. Like this landowner, those who were philanthropic were highly esteemed; therefore, anyone who complained about receiving fair payment for their work would have been viewed as rude, disrespectful and ungrateful. As well, hired workers were never considered "friends" of the landowners; therefore, the workers who complained would have been put to shame when this benevolent landowner still showed respect to them and called them "friends".
Because the Lord God is "the landowner" of all things, He rightfully owns all things, and gives to us, and allows us to have everything that we have, even life itself. And God's economy doesn't just involve physical wealth and blessings here on earth, this parable also applies to salvation, spiritual gifts, covenants and blessings in the Millennial kingdom, as well as rewards in heaven.
Regarding physical wealth: God knows that when we take our eyes off of Him and begin to compare what we have to what others have, we will become dissatisfied, jealous and angry. I am actually very thankful that I experienced living under poverty level (while a missionary, a college student, and early on in marriage). Because, throughout all those years, I was able to learn how to truly rely on the Lord, and experience His miraculous provisions and care! And because of my faith and trust in the Lord, I am always "rich" in God's love, joy, peace, strength, and contentment! As we faithfully tithe, the Lord makes sure that we always have what we need, which only increases our faith and trust in Him, in everything, and for everything. And even if God's will would be that we remain or go back to living in poverty, I would still be satisfied, fulfilled and complete in Him!
Regarding salvation: God knew that, for instance, some Jews (God's chosen ones), would have an issue with gentiles being included. But, it doesn't matter who a person is, or where they are from, God offers salvation to all people, because it is His desire that all come to know Him in a personal relationship! God also knew that, for instance, some of us might struggle when an enemy becomes a believer and gets to go to heaven, even if it is much later in life. But, it doesn't matter how sinful and crime-ridden a person's life has been, when we repent of our sins, we all receive the same forgiveness and eternal life! We all receive the Lord God's indwelling Holy Spirit. And we are all covered in the righteousness of Jesus! So then, let us rejoice together when our enemies find the Lord Jesus Christ, and become our spiritual brothers and sisters!
Regarding spiritual gifts: God knows that we might struggle with seeing some people receive all sorts of spiritual gifts, while we might "only" get one, which might "seem" less important. But, because God sees us all as equal, and as He sees fit, all believers receive purpose and at least one spiritual gift, which we are to use to serve God and others. It really doesn't matter what or how - but THAT we serve - with perseverance, in His love, joy and strength, all to His glory! And the Lord will always use our humble service to produce fruit and multiply these things.
Regarding the Millennial kingdom: God knows that in any era or situation, people will outright reject and hate Him, disrespect Him and/or take Him for granted, even when living in times of great blessings. The Tribulation will NOT be such a time, and at the start, there will not be any Christians. But those becoming believers during the seven years (whether Jew or gentile), will all be brought into the Millennial kingdom, and the Lord Jesus will take the throne and fulfill all covenants with Israel. The earth will be replenished, fruitful and garden-of-Eden-like. It won't be without sin, but Jesus will maintain justice and peace on the entire earth for the thousand year reign. And He will be physically visible and accessible to all. But those being born during that time will still have to make a decision to accept or reject the salvation of the Lord.
Regarding heaven: God will judge and reward all believers of all time according to their good deeds done with righteous motives, all to God's glory. Obviously, once we are in heaven, with glorified bodies, and we will be without suffering, sorrow or sin, we will not be jealous or compare ourselves to others. What we all WILL do, in perfect, holy unity, is glorify the Lord. And whatever we have been given, we will all give back to Him in praise and worship!
The Lord is sovereign! The Lord is righteous, fair and just! The Lord is so good!
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