Articles
Worked all day, and for what?
In Matthew 20:1-16, we find Jesus telling the parable about the laborers in the vineyard. This is the event in which people were hired throughout the day and received the same pay at the end. Those who worked all day in the heat of the sun were upset that those who worked just an hour obtained the same pay.
What I would like for us to think about is the benefits gained, for those who worked all day, and not just part of the day.
They received what they agreed to (vr. 13-14)
It is clear that, in the story, these people lost sight of what they said they would work for. At the end of the day, they were concerned about what others received. They ought to have rejoiced over the fact that the owner did pay them according to their agreement. How sad it would have been if the owner had changed his mind and given them nothing for their efforts. The good news is they got exactly what they agreed to.
The satisfaction in all they accomplished (vr. 1-2)
Although these people did not take pride in what they did, they should have. How sad it is when laborers take no pride in what they do. When one does, not only do they work hard, they can also see the results of their efforts and smile. There needs to be genuine joy in being a worker for the Lord, as Christ was trying to convey.
The joy in just being asked to work (vr. 16)
Jesus mentioned that many are called but few are chosen. Those who worked all day didn’t have to fret about others being idle; they needed to realize that the owner didn’t have to hire them! Maybe the reason people do not take pride in what they do is because they belittle what they do along with belittling their opportunity to work. These laborers needed to see the double blessing – work available and that they were called.
The comfort of working for an honest owner (vr. 13)
We all know how miserable life can be when working for a nasty boss. Yet, these laborers were told by the owner, “Friend, I do you no wrong.” This owner was kind, and true to his workers. He didn’t want to cheat, nor put down what those workers did throughout the day. Why find fault in one who is true to his word?
The shared joy in seeing others get hired (vr. 8)
Knowing that the owner hired others didn’t cause them to lose their job. They ought to have been happy to see others who were unemployed get the chance to work. The benefits of having a good heart are showing compassion and wanting others to have success. The unfortunate reality was that these laborers wanted to be treated better than the other workers.
This parable was used to encourage children of God to do their duty and not complain. Those who want to get to heaven should consider the five points above. It would be a tragedy to “be called” but not “chosen”. The thrust of Christ’s words can be seen in verse 15. When the owner defended his actions, he stated, “Is your eye evil because I am good?” Those who worked all day and who did a good job were being rebuked and needed to consider what they were saying. By the kindness of this owner, the workers were becoming evil.
All Christians must be aware lest they too fall short by having a corrupt mind. Oh, we may work hard all day long, but will we allow what others do (or receive) cause us to be unrighteous? We must see the benefits of working daily for our Lord.
