The Kingdom; How God Views the Hard Working & Undesirables

On January 29th you read for your devotions & . Tonight we are going to look at and challenge our view of fairness and God. This is true theology - the study of God.

Pastor Ken created the method of F.I.R.E. in order to understand a passage.

The letter F stands for familiarity. This is when you read the text and ask questions to better understand the passage.

read, ask questions, and become familiar with the passage

The letter I stands for interpretation. This is when you try to understand the meaning of the text. You answer the questions you asked which interprets the author’s intent for this passage.

simply explain the passage

The letter R stands for relationship. This is when you look to see the relationship of this passage with other passages.

how does this single passage relate to it’s context, book, and entire Bible

The letter E stands for employment. What is the timeless truth in this passage. How can we take that truth and employ it in our everyday lives?

how can I employ the timeless truth from this passage?

Note* Explain that this process can be quick or long depending on the passage and the amount of time you want to invest.

Because time is limited - briefly walk through each step of F.I.R.E. on tonight’s passage.

Feel free to use any resource you want - but if you use a resource simply cite it.

Write info above or bring your own crummy paper!

Here is a quick example on this passage

Familiarity

What is the Kingdom of Heaven?

Who does the landowner represent?

What does the text mean by 6th and 9th hour

What’s a denarius

Who are the workers that come early and those who come late?

What does the proverb mean “first are last and last are first?”

Interpretation

The Kingdom of Heaven refers to the 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom (this will also be seen in relationship)

The Landowner seems to represent God The Father

The 6th hour is noon, and the 9th hour is 3pm - NIV

The Landowner represents God The Father

The sixth hour is noon, and the 9th hour is 3pm - NIV

A denarius is one days pay - Faithlife Study Bible

It appears from the context that the laborers are referring to groups who come early and late to the Kingdom

The proverb is an endless cycle. The first become last, the last become first, and so on. The guys in the front of the line recieved the same payment as the guys in the back of the line. The guy in the back of the line receives the same payment as the guy in front of the line. Think of this as a wheel - all come out the same. The proverb is saying all will receive the same thing.

A denarius is one days pay - Faithlife Study Bible

From looking at the parable - here are the main characters

Landowner = God

Vineyard = The Kingdom

Laborers = Those who are called into the Kingdom

Day = The Laborers life work

denarius is eternal

Denarius = Eternal life

God is kind and allows those whom He has chosen into the Kingdom (even those who were late to believe). Those who work at 6 am are like the Disciples who were with Jesus from the beginning and gave up all for the Kingdom. The workers who only worked from 5pm - 6pm are those who accept Christ later in life. No mater how much work each one put in - each recieves the same thing - eternal life.

MacArthur writes,

Last will be first and the first shall be last. MacArthur writes,

In other words, everyone finishes in the dead heat. No matter how long each of the workers worked, they received a full day’s wage. Similarly, the thief on the cross will enjoy the full blessing of heaven alongside those have labored their whole lives for Christ such is the grace of God

Relationship

The literal Kingdom of Heaven (or Kingdom of God) is referred to as the 1,000 Kingdom in which Jesus will rule and reign (; ; .) See MacArthur’s quote below

This passage is not talking about rewards - for all people will not receive the same rewards. Paul writes in ; Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. Scripture cannot contradict itself thus this passage is not saying all people will receive the same rewards.

The literal Kingdom of Heaven (or Kingdom of God) is referred to as the 1,000 Kingdom in which Jesus will rule and reign (; ; .)

God’s kingly rule over the hearts of men and over the world may be thought of as having a number of phases. The first is the prophesied kingdom, such as that foretold by Daniel. The second phase is the present kingdom, the one that existed at the time of John the Baptist and that he mentions. It is the kingdom that both John and Jesus spoke of as being at hand (cf. 4:17). The third phase may be referred to as the interim kingdom, the kingdom that resulted because of Israel’s rejection of her King. The King returned to heaven and His kingdom on earth now exists only in a mystery form. Christ is Lord of the earth in the sense of His being its Creator and its ultimate Ruler; but He does not presently exercise His full divine will over the earth. He is, so to speak, in a voluntary exile in heaven until it is time for Him to return again. He reigns only in the hearts of those who know Him as Savior and Lord. For those “the kingdom of God is … righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” ()

The fourth phase can be described as the manifest kingdom, in which Christ will rule, physically, directly, and fully on earth for a thousand years, the Millennium. In that kingdom He will rule both externally and internally-externally over all mankind, and internally in the hearts of those who belong to Him by faith. The fifth, and final, phase is the “eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” which “will be abundantly supplied” to all of His own ().

The Spiritual Kingdom

Had God’s people Israel accepted their King when He first came to them, there would be no interim kingdom. The kingdom at hand would have become the kingdom of a thousand years, which, in turn, would have ushered in the eternal kingdom. But because they killed the forerunner of the King and then the King Himself, the millennial kingdom, and consequently the eternal kingdom, were sovereignly postponed.

This passage is not talking about rewards - for all people will not receive the same rewards. Paul writes in ; Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. Scripture cannot contradict itself thus this passage is not saying all people will receive the same rewards.

Notice that the Rich Young Ruler rejected Jesus’ call. The Disciples accepted His call and labored for the Kingdom. However, the thief on the cross (one who came late) would receive the same eternal life which was given to the disciples (one who came early.) This is the context of this passage.

There is also a broader Biblical principle that can be seen. Notice that this is near the end of Jesus’ ministry. The next verse () says that Jesus is going up to Jerusalem to die. He is about to offer the Kingdom to the Jews and will be rejected. After Jesus died - the disciples would offer the Kingdom to both Jew and Gentile alike. This caused the Jews to become jealous. See

; Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

In Jesus will use the same phrase - many are called but few are chosen. This is a “Kingdom parable” (like our story) referring to God reaching out to many people, yet sadly many will reject His call and not come to His wedding Feast. Therefore He will invite others to the feast - even though they are late - they join in the celebration.

1 Corinthians 3:8 NKJV

8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

In Jesus will use the same phrase - many are called but few are chosen. This is a Kingdom parable referring to God reaching out to the Gentiles because many Jews would not come to His wedding Feast.

In Jesus is amazed by the centurion’s faith. He said, 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west (gentiles), and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom (Jews) will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Note* John MacArthur writes,

God’s kingly rule over the hearts of men and over the world may be thought of as having a number of phases. The first is the prophesied kingdom, such as that foretold by Daniel. The second phase is the present kingdom, the one that existed at the time of John the Baptist and that he mentions. It is the kingdom that both John and Jesus spoke of as being at hand (cf. 4:17). The third phase may be referred to as the interim kingdom, the kingdom that resulted because of Israel’s rejection of her King. The King returned to heaven and His kingdom on earth now exists only in a mystery form. Christ is Lord of the earth in the sense of His being its Creator and its ultimate Ruler; but He does not presently exercise His full divine will over the earth. He is, so to speak, in a voluntary exile in heaven until it is time for Him to return again. He reigns only in the hearts of those who know Him as Savior and Lord. For those “the kingdom of God is … righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” ()

The fourth phase can be described as the manifest kingdom, in which Christ will rule, physically, directly, and fully on earth for a thousand years, the Millennium. In that kingdom He will rule both externally and internally-externally over all mankind, and internally in the hearts of those who belong to Him by faith. The fifth, and final, phase is the “eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” which “will be abundantly supplied” to all of His own ().

Had God’s people Israel accepted their King when He first came to them, there would be no interim kingdom. The kingdom at hand would have become the kingdom of a thousand years, which, in turn, would have ushered in the eternal kingdom. But because they killed the forerunner of the King and then the King Himself, the millennial kingdom, and consequently the eternal kingdom, were sovereignly postponed.

In Jesus is amazed by the centurion’s faith. He said, 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west (gentiles), and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom (Jews) will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Employment

Do not envy those who come late to salvation - for by God’s grace they will share in the Kingdom with you!

Jesus had just exposed the rich young ruler - how his heart valued money above God -

As the young man walked away - Jesus told His disciples that it is hard for the rich to enter into the Kingdom of God - . This was shocking to the disciples. Many Jews felt that rich people were blessed by God because of their goodness, thus a rich person would go into the Kingdom.

The disciples had bad theology - a bad view of God’s character and how it related to mankind.

Jesus responded to them by saying that it is impossible for man to gain entrance (into the Kingdom), yet nothing is impossible for God.

Peter (unlike the rich young ruler) had left everything to follow Jesus. So he asked what his reward would be.

Jesus answered this question by giving a riddle / proverb. The first will be last and the last will be first. He is about to define this in His Parable.

Jesus is about to reveal more about God’s kindness. Not only does God give grace to those who sacrifice for Him, but He also gives grace to those who come to Him in the last days!

The Rich man left because his focus was on wealth. Peter was focused on the rewards or wealth he would get in the Kingdom. This was

1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

The New King James Version Chapter 20

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Notice that the laborers made a deal to work for one denarius.

*note slide has information about denarius

Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew D. The King Explains Kingdom Grace (20:1–16)

A typical workday for field workers in the ancient Near East began at approximately 6 A.M. (sunrise) and ended at around 6 P.M. (sunset). The average workday was likely ten-plus hours. So the landowner of the parable was scouting for workers before 6 A.M.

According to Weber “A typical workday for field workers in the ancient Near East began at approximately 6 a.m. (sunrise) and ended at around 6 p.m. (sunset). The average workday was likely ten-plus hours. So the landowner of the parable was scouting for workers before 6 a.m.”

A typical workday for field workers in the ancient Near East began at approximately 6 a.m. (sunrise) and ended at around 6 p.m. (sunset). The average workday was likely ten-plus hours. So the landowner of the parable was scouting for workers before 6 a.m.

*Weber, S. K. (2000). Matthew (Vol. 1, p. 318). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Also note that it was the landowner who chose the laborers, and they responded to His call.

3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went.

It is now 9 a.m. The landowner chooses more workers. He told them He would pay them a fair amount. They knew they were not working a full day since three hours have passed - so they agreed because they simply wanted to work.

Trench in his Parables [Second Journey through Persia] says: “We observed every morning, before the sun rose, that a numerous band of peasants were collected, with spades in their hands, waiting to be hired for the day to work in the surrounding fields.”

in Second Journey through Persia

in Second Journey through Persia) says: “We observed every morning, before the sun rose, that a numerous band of peasants were collected, with spades in their hands, waiting to be hired for the day to work in the surrounding fields.”

Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press. says: “We observed every morning, before the sun rose, that a numerous band of peasants were collected, with spades in their hands, waiting to be hired for the day to work in the surrounding fields.”

Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press., says: “We observed every morning, before the sun rose, that a numerous band of peasants were collected, with spades in their hands, waiting to be hired for the day to work in the surrounding fields.”

Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.

5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The landowner chooses more laborers at noon and 3p.m.

He goes out one more time at 5p.m. - one hour before the day is finished. He tells the laborers he will pay them what He thinks is fair, and they are happy to agree. However, they must have assumed they would be paid very little.

Notice that “no one hired us.” These people seem to be undesirable - or could be considered the last!

It would appear from the human perspective that the best or first where hired at 6am while the undesirables or last were hired at 5pm

The New King James Version Chapter 20

8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’

The New King James Version Chapter 20

8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’

The New King James Version Chapter 20

8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’

The Law given by God to Moses states, “Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the Lord, and it be sin to you.” -

(NKJV)

Notice again that the last are getting paid first.

15 Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the Lord, and it be sin to you.

And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.

The New King James Version Chapter 20

9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.

The crowd must have been shocked to hear that the landowner gave a full day’s wage to people who worked for 1 hour! This shows the kindness of God.

They must have assumed that the landowner was going to give those who worked longer even more!

10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.

The New King James Version Chapter 20

10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.

The men are angry that they received the same amount as the undesirables! The people hearing this story must have thought this was unfair! How could the very best workers, the first worker who showed up at 6am be treated the same as the undesirable, last workers who should up at 5pm?

The men complain and say that the landowner is being unfair!

13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?

The New King James Version Chapter 20

13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?

The landowner had done nothing wrong. After all, the workers had agreed to 1 denarius. However, their hearts were hard and bitter, and pride got the best of them! They wrongly believed they should be treated better than the others because they came 1st!

14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

The New King James Version Chapter 20

14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

God is God. Who are we to question His goodness?

God was just to give the full day workers a full day’s pay. He was kind to give the others a full day’s pay! This parable shows us the kindness of God!

In the bigger context of Matthew we see that Jesus is referring to the disciples and those would believe later.

The Disciples had come early, but many others would come late. However, if God wanted to show kindness to those who come late - the disciples should not be angry.

Jesus ends His parable by saying that in the Kingdom the first are last, and the last are first.

Jesus ends His parable by saying that in the Kingdom, the first (the seemingly great) are last, and the last (the seemingly undesirables) are first. Both classes receive the same gift – eternal life! Many are called for the Kingdom, but few are chosen.

Look how this passage became a live illustration in

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” 48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

Acts 13:42–48 NKJV

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” 48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” 48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,

That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

Think About It

Are you like those day laborers who work hard for the Lord, but you become jealous when it seems like God is blessing another Christian who is new to the faith?

Check your heart. Rejoice when other Christians are blessed or exalted!

Remember, you should simply be glad to be in the Kingdom!

Do not envy those who come late to salvation - for by God’s grace they will share in the Kingdom with you!

Deuteronomy 24:15 NKJV

15 Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the Lord, and it be sin to you.

How does this Bible Study challenge your view on Theology (how you view God)

All Bible References from The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The Kingdom; How God Views the Hard Working & Undesirables

What You Read

Using F.I.R.E.

Set On F.I.R.E.

Simple F.I.R.E.

Passage Background

Day Laborers

Matthew 20:5-7

Matthew 20:8

The Jealous Jews

Think About It

Employment

Theology Question

The Kingdom; How God Views the Hard Working & Undesirables

What You Read

Using F.I.R.E.

Set On F.I.R.E.

Simple F.I.R.E.

Passage Background

​

​

Day Laborers

Matthew 20:5-7

Matthew 20:8

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The Jealous Jews

Think About It

Employment

Theology Question