Parable of the Labourers

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Sermon Introduction

How has your week been?

It is good to see you all.

We seem to be in a traveling season. Paul and Sini, Isaac, Walkers...

We are rapidly drawing to a close of our series on the Parables of Jesus.

I pray it has been helpful and a blessing.

I continue to recommend to your reading , “Christ Object Lessons” by Mrs White.

Hopefully you have a copy from the start of this series.

In December we will start a mini series in the run up to Christmas looking at two Prophecies, one in and the other in on the coming of Immanuel (God-with-us).

In February of next year we will start a new series looking at a selection of the Psalms of David.

David the “The sweet Psalmist of Israel”. A quote from .

Scripture Reading

Our scripture reading today is commonly known as the “Parable of the Labourers”.

Our s

I think it is equally about the Landowner and His actions.

Matthew 19:30–20:16 NKJV

30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. 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. 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. 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.’ 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.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 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.’ 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? 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.”

Matt 19:30

Matthew 20:1–16 NKJV

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. 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. 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.’ 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.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 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.’ 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? 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 Context of the Parable

It is important when looking at parables, or any scripture, to look at the context by reading before and after the passage.

That is why I always recommend in your daily devotional time, you spend some of it reading the bible in a consistent manner and not jumping around all over the place.

For example, if you are reading the book of Matthew, the first book in the new Testament, start at Chapter 1 and end with Chapter 28.

This is one of those Parables were the key truth is given at the very end of the Parable, but also in the context before the Parable.

So at the very end of this parable we find this curious phrase,

Slide

Matthew 20:16 NKJV

16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

This curious phrase is repeated from,

Introduction

Slide

Matthew 19:30 NKJV

30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Matt 19

Therefore we need to look at that to get the context for this Parable.

repeats . Therefore we can conclude that the Parable in , further explains or answers , which follows the controversy of of the Rich Young Ruler. Thus this Parable illustrates the principle of .

Peter’s Question

The Parable of the labourers follows this dialogue, all about rewards,

Slide

Matthew 19:27–30 NKJV

27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Matt 19

We will not read it all but,

So here Peter is asking a genuine question, “We have left all and followed you. Therefore what shall we get”?

We should observe that the question is addressed to the one who left everything for them!

And Of course it is Peter who asks the question about rewards, who else!

We are rapidly drawing to a close of our series looking at the Parables of Jesus.

But, Why is Peter asking that question?

The Rich Young Ruler

Because of the incident and controversy that just took place with the Rich Young Ruler

It is found in .

I will not read it all due to its length, but you have the reference

Slide

Matthew 19:16–26 NKJV

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

The Rich

The Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus, called Him a “Good Teacher”, and asked a simple question

“Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

The word Good, is used 4 times in 2 verses.

Jesus pinpoints his sin, Idolatry to material possessions and bids him leave that all behind and follow him.

The Rich Young Ruler, who came so confidently to Jesus,, walks away in doubt and sorrow.

And Jesus lets him go.

One commentator observes that if the Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus in the manner in which he left, he would have left in the manner he came to Jesus.

How true

Peter’s Response

Blank Slide

After the Rich Young Ruler had walked away, Peter, in typical Peter-ian fashion says

“Lord, look at us, unlike that Rich Young Ruler, we have done what you asked, we left everything for you, so what will we get?

You have to love Peter, he says what everyone else is thinking.

We all need Peters in our churches!

Jesus answers with his words at the end of and with the Parable of the Labourers at the start of .

Which conclude with,

Matthew 19:30 NKJV

30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Matthew 20:16 NKJV

16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

Analogue HP Bonus

You must be sick of the analogues I use of our time in California and my first career with Hewlett Packard.

Don’t you realise you live in Britain now and your a Pastor!

So here is another analogue from our time in California and my time with HP.

At HP we would get what is called a Year End Bonus.

When I started at HP, every employee would get the same % of a bonus on your full years pay.

It always happened around Christmas time.

The CEO, based in Palo Alto (at first that was Mr Hewlett or Mr Packard), would come on the public address systems in all theoffices around the world at the same time, and announce the Year end bonus.

It was a time f excitement, especially during the early years when HP was growing quickly.

Bonuses of around 10%, even higher were not uncommon and everyone shared in that.

But soon that changed, as like many companies HP moved to a “Performance Based culture”.

Your your end bonus was linked to your “performance” as judged by your boss.

Some got allot, some got 0.

It was seen as fairer, rewarding people for performance, rather than just turning up for work.

I actually liked the company wide bonus scheme as it better promoted teamwork

But it changed for the complaint we see in this parable,

“I did more than that person, I deserve more”.

The Parable of the Labourers

In this Parable everyone gets the same payment, the same Bonus from the Landowner.

The Landowner treats all who heed his call with equality, regardless of length or tenure of service, positions held, work done in the vineyard or the results achieved.

How would you feel if someone was hired into your workplace in the same position you hold, did half’s a days work and then got the same payment as you who did a full day?

Jesus is using this story, that feeling of injustice, so we can all can relate to this Parable, and so He can make a key spiritual point about His Kingdom, His Rules, where he is the Boss..

The Parable of the Labourers

So let us try to unpack this Parable a little more with the time remaining.

The Parable can be looked at in two parts.

Part 1 - The Hiring of the Landowner

Slide

Matthew 20:1–7 NKJV

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. 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. 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.’

We will not read it again, it is .

Matthew 20:1–7 NKJV

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. 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. 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 Landowner (representing God) goes out early to hire labourers for His Vineyard.

Landowner of Vineyard

Sun Up, 6am

Landowner rises early

Hires first workers

Days work for a Denarius

9am

For the Kingdom of Heaven.

Some standing idle in Marketplace

Hires second workers

Will pay what is right

12/Noon

Did likewise.

3pm

Did likewise.

The First Group

The first group are hired when?

Early in the morning, at day break.

The darkness and the light in Jesus’ time were divided each into twelve hours.

The darkness and the light in Jesus’ time were divided each into twelve hours.

We can think of this as 6am.

They are hired for how much?

A denarius for a day’s work.

It is of note that only the first group are guaranteed an amount based on a full days works.

The Second, Third, Fourth and Last Groups

The Landowner goes out again at the third hour, 9am, the sixth hour, Noon, the the ninth hour, 3pm and finally at the eleventh hour, 5pm.

He finds some waiting to be hired, standing idle and sends them to His Vineyard.

It is to be noted that these groups of labourers are promised that the Landowner would pay what is right or what is just.

How interesting!

Is is also to be noted the Landowners

Some Observations

It would seem reasonable here to think about the law and the covenant of works, that said “do this and you shall live” ().

To think about the Jewish nation, who said to themselves, “we have Abraham as our Father” (), claiming the promise given to Abraham, sealed with the sign of circumcision by human hands. (, ).

Yes there was work, but there was also a spirit of entitlement and censures. More on that later.

Before we move on to part 2, some observations,

Second, Third and Fourth Groups

All other groups hired are promised that the Landowner would pay what is right or what is just.

The Landowner went out

The Landowner went out.

From His beautiful home.

It is the Landowner who goes out.

He went out personally.

From His home.

He did not delegate this task of love.

During His ministry here on earth, the Lord went out every day, looking for any faith in Him! (mustard seeds)

The Landowner went to the People

He went to where the people were.

Were humanity and commerce were.

to the marketplace.

“I am not going there, I am too good to go there”

During his ministry, Jesus went to every kind of place, to invite all to His Kingdom.

The Landowner went out multiple times

Early at 6am.

Later at 9am.

Later again at Noon.

The Landowner took the initiative.

John 3:16 NKJV

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Later still at 3pm.

Last at the eleventh hour, 5pm, 1 hour before darkness would come.

During his ministry, Jesus went about doing good and healing all all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

John 21:25 NKJV

25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

There are not enough b

Acts 10:38 NKJV

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

The Landowner gave the invitation

The Landowner personally went out.

Time and time again the Landowner went out

The Landowner personally sought out those waiting

And He personally gave the invitation to come into His Vineyard.

During his ministry, Jesus continually invited all to His Kingdom

The Landowner gave the invitation.

For He is the Vineyard

For Jesus kingdom is the Vineyard and He is the true Vine.

To those “standing idle”. To those Waiting.

Slide

I’ve been here before!

John 15:1 NKJV

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

He sought them out

Isaiah 40:11 NKJV

11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.

The Landowner gave the invitation over and over

Did you read what the Landowner said, “Why have you been standing here idle all day?”

But they heeded now! Rejoicing.

Emphasis

I’ve been here before! What have you been waiting for?

The Landowner promised to pay what was right

To those hired at 6am, they were promised a denarius for a day’s work.

To those hired at 9am, Noon and 3pm and at the eleventh hour, the Landowner promised to pay what was right or just!

Those labourers had to trust in the Landowner.

I think that is significant!

Slide

Matthew 20:4 NKJV

4 and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went.

Matt 20

To those hired at 9am, Noon, 3pm and at the eleventh hour, the Landowner promised to pay what was right or just!

Those labourers had to trust in the Landowner.

I think that is very significant!

Slide

Matthew 20:7 NKJV

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 greek word is δίκαιος, dikoios. dick-i-os

It is the same word used in

Slide

Romans 1:17 NKJV

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

The Landowner finally stopped going and giving the invitation

Time was up.

But He went at the Eleveth hour as well.

Let us not loose that truth!

Part 2 - The Reward of Grace

Continuing with the Parable

The second part is found in

I will not read it again, but it is on the screen

It would seem reasonable here to think about the law and the covenant of works, that said “do this and you shall live” ().

To think about the Jewish nation, who said to themselves, “we have Abraham as our Father” (), claiming the promise given to Abraham, sealed with the sign of circumcision by human hands. (, ).

Yes there was work, but there was also a spirit of entitlement and censures. More on that later.

The greek word is δίκαιος, dikoios. It is the same word used in for the “just living by faith” and it is the same word grouping (lemma and root) that is used when Paul is writing about the great doctrine of Justification by faith alone.

Slide

Emphasis

Those hired at 9am, Noon and 3pm needed faith in the Landowner that he will do what is right or just! That is significant!

Matthew 20:8–16 NKJV

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

Because

So evening came.

Romans 1:17 NKJV

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

The Day of Opportunity to heed the call was at at end.

It was time to reward the labourers.

Those who worked 1 hour of daylight were given the same reward as those who worked all hours of daylight.

The Landowner went looking

It infuriated those earlier labourers.

You are unjust!

The Parable was designed to trigger such a reaction in all its readers.

Mercy triumphs over judgment.

But who are we to question the Justice of God.

Who are we to say God is unjust.

If He chooses to give the one who works 1 hour the same as the one who works 12 hours, who are we to question it?

Emphasis

It is the same argument that Satan uses in the Great Controversy, you cannot be a Just God and act like that!

It is the same argument the Elder brother (the first group in my view) used when the Prodigal returned at the eleventh hour.

Luke 15:29 NKJV

29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.

Luke 15

You are not acting justly Father!

You are unjust!

Why we focus on the Justice or the Injustice of a situation, God turns that upside down and demonstrates his grace and generosity, totally undeserved.

And that turns our punny brains inside out.

Good!

Because that is his character.

Because

Mercy

Empahsis

James 2:13 NKJV

13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

There People come to the Vineyard at different times in their lives.

Mercy triumphs over judgment

All Believers are equal Before God

All true disciples are equal in the eyes of God and before God.

All are equally a member of the Kingdom of Heaven

Whatever we think about rewards it should not violate that principle.

All are equally a member of the Kingdom of Heaven

All Believers will be Face to Face with God

Let me finish by asking a simple question

HP Bonus analogue

At the regeneration, at the return of Christ, when the Kingdom of Heaven becomes visible, what will be the greatest reward all believers?

Ultimate reward is being Face to Face with Jesus.

Who is the Vineyeard. I am the true vine.

The Priesthood of all believers

When we think about rewards it should not violate that principle. All are equally a member of the Kingdom of Heaven

What greater reward is there than being face to face with God?

What greater reward is there than being face to face with God? I suggest all else with pale in comparison. And that will be the reward everyone will experience and enjoy in the new Kingdom and the new age. Spirit of Entitlement due to their work.

Mosses you cannot see my face and live.

You are not ready for that now.

But soon Moses, when corruption puts on incorruption, when mortality puts on immortality

Then you will enjoy face to face fellowship.

Is there any greater reward?

I suggest all else with pale in comparison.

The Reward of Grace

And that will be the reward everyone will experience and enjoy in the new Kingdom and the new age.

Today, God the father, through the Son, Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, invites us into the inner courts of fellowship and rejoicing with Him.

Whether it is the first hour, the third hour, the sixth hour, the ninth hour or one hour before it all ends, the important thing is we come.

And “they” come.

“The first will be last, the last first”

Does it really matter the order?

Mercy triumphs over judgment

As long as we (and they) get the reward of grace!

That is God’s heart

Let it me our heart too.

Outer court vs the inner court

I pray it has been helpful.

I continue to recommend to your reading list, “Christ Object Lessons” by Mrs White.

Hopefully you have a copy from when we started this series.