“Laborers in the Vineyard”

Wednesday, June 07, 2017

Found only in Matthew 20:1-16, the parable of the laborers in the vineyard is one that teaches us two primary lessons.

First, it teaches us to get to work for the Lord. Second, it tells us that there is a reward for those who serve Him.

Jesus was first and foremost telling us that we need to be busy about our Father’s business. He wants us to work hard in His kingdom and to accomplish as much good as we can. Many verses tell of our responsibility to serve the Lord with all our hearts.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

In the parable, the Master (Jesus) clearly condemns idleness (verses 3 and 6). Many of the Lord’s parables teach us not to be lazy, slothful servants – the Good Samaritan, the two Sons, etc. In the parable of the talents, the Master said to the sinful, one talent man, “you wicked and lazy servant” (Matthew 25:26).

Notice that the landowner did not invite men into his vineyard to sleep, to play, to discuss sporting events or simply to visit and spend time together (verse 1). In the same way, God does not call us into His vineyard (the church) to relax, but to work.

And then, Jesus reminds us that there is a reward for those who serve God faithfully. Each worker received a denarius (an average day’s wage, approximately 18 cents, a fair and reasonable amount in that day).

The reward is His to give and it is based on His grace, not on the amount of work we do (that’s why the 11^th hour workers got the same amount, one denarius, as those who worked all day long). As the song says, “Heaven will surely be worth it all.”

No matter who you are, God wants you to serve Him. No matter what you’ve done in the past, it is now time to give God your all. Do His will, serve Him faithfully and reap a great reward.

--Roger Hillis

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