1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a 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 said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? 7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. 8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, 12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. 13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? 14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:1-16 KJV)
Laborers in the Vineyard
This parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) illustrates the kingdom of heaven, that is, the nature and method of the gospel dispensation. While the duties of Christianity are clearly taught, the mysteries of the kingdom are often conveyed through parables, offering deeper understanding.
It serves to explain what Jesus had just said: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30). This seemingly paradoxical statement highlights the surprising nature of God’s grace, particularly regarding the calling of the Gentiles and the rejection of many Jews (Ephesians 3:3-6). The Jews were first called into God’s service, but the Gentiles, called later, would be made equal participants in the blessings of the gospel—much to the frustration of some Jewish believers.
The parable also teaches that God is not indebted to any person—He rewards out of grace, not debt. Some who begin late and seem unpromising may, by God’s power, surpass those who started early. Paul, though “born out of due time,” equaled or exceeded the apostles who came before him. The returning prodigal is welcomed just as lovingly as the faithful son. God’s reward is not based on how early one comes to faith but on the sincerity and fruitfulness of one’s service. Jesus had promised early followers great glory (Matthew 19:28), but here reminds them that those who come later and are faithful will share equally in the reward.
The laborers are hired throughout the day (Matthew 20:1-7). The householder—God—calls workers into His vineyard, the church. Until called, they are idle, without purpose. God’s call turns their lives from vanity to meaningful labor. Though He doesn’t need our work, He graciously involves us in His service and promises a reward, not out of necessity but generosity (Romans 4:4).
The laborers are hired from the marketplace, standing idle (Matthew 20:3, 6), symbolizing lives not yet engaged in God’s service. The gospel calls them to meaningful work—tending their souls and building Christ’s kingdom. Life is short—a single day of labor—and the reward is eternal. The early, mid-day, and late hires represent those called to salvation at different life stages. Some are called in youth, like Timothy (2 Timothy 3:15) and Obadiah; others in adulthood, like Paul; and some in old age. But none are hired at the twelfth hour—once life ends, the opportunity is gone. So, while God accepts latecomers, one must not delay, assuming a last-minute call. The eleventh-hour laborers came late only because no one had called them before. Those who resist earlier gospel invitations have no such excuse. “Now is the time of God’s favor; today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
At day’s end, the master settles accounts with the laborers (Matthew 20:8). Payment is given not at the start, but after the work is done. Similarly, believers receive their reward at life’s end (2 Timothy 4:6-8). All receive the same wage—a penny (Matthew 20:9-10)—symbolizing eternal life. Though there are degrees of glory, all will be fully satisfied (Romans 2:7; Exodus 16:18). The equal pay given to those who worked only an hour emphasizes that the reward is by grace, not merit. Even the earliest and most faithful workers fall short and are accepted only through God’s mercy (Luke 17:7-10; Luke 12:37).
Those hired earlier complain (Matthew 20:11-12), not because they were underpaid, but because others were made equal to them. This reflects the Jewish resentment toward Gentile inclusion in the kingdom, much like the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:28-30). They claim to have borne the burden and heat of the day, while the others worked only one hour in the cool. Yet God’s generosity to others doesn’t diminish His fairness to them.
The master responds gently (Matthew 20:13-14), reminding them of the agreed wage. “Friend, I do you no wrong.” God does no injustice (Romans 3:5-6), and grace, by definition, is freely given. If God gives more to others, that’s His kindness—not injustice to us. Those who sought their reward in this life will receive it—but miss out on the greater, eternal blessing (Luke 16:25; Psalm 17:14). Believers who have chosen the life to come must not look back with envy.
The master asserts his right to do as he wishes with what is his (Matthew 20:15). God, as sovereign owner of all, is free to distribute grace and gifts as He pleases. We are not owners, but stewards. If He takes or gives, we must trust His wisdom and goodness.
“Is your eye evil because I am good?”—the master’s final rebuke (Matthew 20:15)—points to envy, a sin rooted in discontent with God’s goodness to others. Saul envied David when he saw him prosper (1 Samuel 18:9). Envy grieves at others’ blessings, challenges God’s justice, and violates love for God and his neighbor.
Jesus concludes (Matthew 20:16): “So the last will be first, and the first last.” Jewish believers, though first to follow Christ, must beware of pride. Later converts, including Gentiles, may exceed them in grace and fruitfulness (Isaiah 54:1). And not all the called are chosen (Matthew 22:14). Many hear the gospel, but only the elect respond in saving faith (Romans 8:30; 2 Peter 1:10). The general call does not guarantee salvation; it must be met with a true response.