The Parable of the Workers (Matthew 20 - P 51)

Matthew 19 ends with Jesus making a remarkable statement about what eternal life looks like ... in God's economy ... in God's kingdom.  Now he paints a verbal picture of the principle.  What is the principle?  "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."

Read Matthew 20: 1 - 16

Peter has asked a question.  In 19:27 he asked Jesus: "We've given up everything to follow you.  What will we get?"  Jesus responds with the incredible promises in verses 28 and 29 ... and then He tells this story.  I think it may be a warning to Peter.  I think Jesus may be telling Peter to check his motives.  Motives are tricky things.  Do you ever struggle with your motives ... keeping them pure and clean ... trying to watch for self-centeredness in them?

If this story is a warning ... what can we take from it for own lives?

Obviously this story is not about working for one's salvation.  We know that our salvation is not dependent on our work ... how much or how little.  Ephesians 2: 8 - 9

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of god - not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

In this parable, God is represented by the landowner.  And this landowner is remarkable.  First, he wants the harvest brought in.  And he calls workers to do that task on his behalf.  Why the God of the universe wants to use the likes of us to do his work, I'll never be able to figure out!  But he does.  Jehovah calls his people to work in his field, to bring in the harvest.  He wants all who are willing to accept the call to work for him.  Whether you are young in your faith or a seasoned veteran of faith ... he calls ... will you serve him?  This landowner is generous.  He wants all who will work being allowed to work.  Do you have a generosity of spirit toward others?  We have to guard our hearts and minds against territorial-ism,  against exclusivity for any number of reasons, and against applying human standards of 'fairness' to God.

This parable is about service - service in the kingdom of heaven - service for the King.

The story is not really about rewards.  It's not about 'fairness' by human standards - by our limited view of things.  Rewards are not a bad thing.  God speaks of reward.  Jesus speaks of reward.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:8 - 9 

The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose.  And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.  For we are both God's workers.  And you are God's field.  You are God's building.

I think Jesus wants Peter to check his motives and his heart. (And Jesus wants the same thing for you and I!)   I think perhaps Jesus wants Peter to see himself as the early worker ... the one who began at the first of the day.  No resentment, Peter, of those who come later.  You don't "deserve more" because you were first on board.

Or perhaps Jesus was warning his disciples that there would be others coming into faith and fellowship.  And just because the disciples were there first ... that did not constitute special status.  All men and women are precious to God.

We can also apply the warning to the church.  Listen to William Barclay:

There are people who think that, because they have been members of a church for a long time, the Church practically belongs to them and they can dictate its policy.  Such people resent what seems to them the intrusion of new blood or the rise of a new generation with different plans and different ways.  In the Church, seniority does not necessarily mean honor.

And from Warren Wiersbe:

We must watch our motives for Christian service.  The right work done with the wrong motive dishonors God and robs us of the blessing.  We cannot judge motives, but we can judge our own hearts.  Let's do all for the glory of God because we love Him.

This parable reminds us that "God is God ... and I am not."  This parable reminds us that God will do what God will do with His people and His work.  And it is right.  Good things to remember ...

Lord ... today ... purify my motives.  May I serve you willingly, joyfully today.  May I not waste a moment standing idle.  Take captive every thought, every word, every action from me this day ... may it be a work of service in honor of You.