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Matthew 20:1-16 – A Misused Parable
The parable of the laborers in Matthew 20:1-16 is lengthy but simple: Those who worked for only a little while were given the same pay as those who worked all day. From this we learn valuable lessons: 1) It is better to come to Christ late in life, that way you won’t have to work as long at being good and still get to go to heaven; 2) The first point shows how easy it is to misuse even the simple parables of Jesus; it is not about those who become Christians late in life as it is sometimes interpreted; 3) The real point is that even the totally worthless can be saved (i.e., the sinners and tax collectors, the poor, sick, even Samaritans and Gentiles). Those are the ones who wouldn’t be hired at the beginning or afternoon. Worthless workers are saved along with and over those who consider themselves worthwhile (i.e., the Jewish Pharisees), and who in some way are (i.e., they did work all day). Why is this? It is only God’s generous grace. Therefore the last will be first and the first will be last (Mt.20:15-16).
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