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PARABLE OF THE WORKERS EXPLAINED - Henlus - 12-04-2025
In Matthew 19, Jesus had just taught about eternal life, sacrifice, and the rewards of following Him. Peter then asked, “We have left everything to follow you—what will we get?” Jesus promised rewards but warned that “many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Matthew 20 continues this teaching. Jesus uses a parable to show that God’s grace operates differently from human ideas of fairness and reward.
SUMMARY OF THE PARABLE
A landowner hires workers early in the morning for a normal day’s wage.
Throughout the day—9am, noon, 3pm, and even at 5pm—he hires more people who were standing idle.
At payment time, he begins with the workers hired last and pays them a full day’s wage.
The early workers expect more, but they receive exactly what they agreed upon.
They complain, but the landowner explains that he has been fair to them and simply chose to be generous to the others.
Jesus ends by saying, “The last will be first, and the first last.”
THE SYMBOLISM IN MATTHEW 20:1–16 (PARABLE OF THE WORKERS)
This parable reveals how God’s grace works. Each part symbolizes something deeper about God, salvation, and human attitudes.
1. The Landowner
Represents God. He actively goes out to call people into His kingdom. His character is generous and sovereign.
2. The Vineyard
Represents God’s kingdom and God’s work. Vineyards in Scripture often symbolize God’s people and His purposes.
3. Workers Hired Early
Symbolize people who began following God early in life, or the Jews who received God’s covenant first. They also represent religious people who feel entitled to greater rewards.
4. Workers Hired Later
Symbolize people who come to God later in life, especially Gentiles. The 5pm workers represent those who feel unworthy or “too late,” yet God welcomes them fully.
5. The Wage (One Denarius)
Represents full salvation. Eternal life is a complete gift, not something earned based on hours or effort.
6. Complaints of the First Workers
Symbolize jealousy, pride, and comparison. They were not cheated; they simply resented God’s kindness toward others.
7. The Landowner’s Response
Represents God’s right to show grace. Grace is not a wage people can demand; it is a gift God chooses to give.
8. “The Last Will Be First”
Shows that God’s kingdom reverses human expectations. Earthly importance does not guarantee heavenly honor, and those seen as insignificant may be elevated.
SUMMARY
God calls people at different stages of life.
His grace is equal for all.
Pride and comparison destroy joy.
God’s kingdom operates by grace, not human fairness.