Level at the Cross
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“For the kingdom of heaven is like …” begins the parable of Matthew 20:1-16. Verse 16 is key to understanding the parable: “the last will be first, and the first last.” God is debtor to no man—some who start later do more
than some who start earlier. Reward is not based on time of conversion or even labor accomplished. Two Issues are dealt with in this parable: (a) the agreement between the landowner and the workers; and (b) the payment of the laborers by the employer. How does it relate to God’s kingdom work? First, Jesus presents the call to faith and service in God’s business—“A master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.” (v. 1) The men were hired by the landowner, who represents God. It is His vineyard where the labor is done. He found them in the marketplace, i.e. the world, and hired them at various times throughout the day. They all agreed to a day’s wages. It’s a picture of salvation: different times in life, same workplace, same pay. Second, Jesus proclaims the common reward for all believers—“Each of them also received a denarius.” (v. 10) Payment was made “when evening came.” (v. 8) Christians enter the Lord’s vineyard at the beginning of new life, and they go out of the workplace at death, and in glory receive their wage—heaven. Two things occurred at pay time: all the hired workers got paid the exact same amount, and some complained about the wages paid. The workers hired first expected to be paid more than the last ones. The last were paid first and got the pay of the first; the first were paid last and got same as the last. No matter how long each of the laborers worked, they each received the full wage. The thief on the cross will enjoy the full blessings of heaven along with those who have labored their whole lives for Christ. This is the grace of God. The ground is level at the cross, the same for all.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
