SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 19:30-20:16
Jesus says that many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. To illustrate this point, Jesus tells the Parable of the Workers. Here, he hires men throughout the day to work in his vineyard. At the end of the day, he pays them all the same wages even though some worked more hours than others. The man said he can do what he wants with his money and he shouldn’t be envious because he is generous.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 2: Matthew 19:30-20:16
3a) Here, he hires men throughout the day to work in his vineyard. At the end of the day, he pays them all the same wages even though some worked more hours than others. The man said he can do what he wants with his money and he shouldn’t be envious because he is generous.
b) God’s manner of rewarding is not man’s idea or practice of rewarding.
c) In the same manner, God can do what He wants and bless others as He sees fit. God is always fair, but He can be more than fair as He pleases.
d) Some are privileged to receive the Gospel early in life; others come later in life. However, all are equal before God and all get into heaven no matter how long they have been a Christian.
4) Opposite when everyone is out for themselves and to be the first. Ultimately, God rewards, not man.
5) Every day of my life. By waking up every morning, breathing, and doing the work He has set before me.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 2: Matthew 19:30-20:16
Great lesson for all of us. Think of how many disappointments we have because we expect something, and it doesn’t happen. Here, Jesus says clearly to expect the unexpected from God.
Great read or listen!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 2: Matthew 19:30-20:16
Note Jesus frequently uses the relationship between employees and employers in his teachings.
Jesus is still answering Peter’s question from Matthew 19:27 about what the disciples will receive.
The marketplace was where men went who were looking for work for the day. They often carried tools with them. This would have been at dawn most likely.
The landowner represents God, and the vineyard illustrates His kingdom. The workers are those who responded to God’s call. They can join at any time.
The hiring times of the landowner would have been 9 am, noon, and about 5 pm. The landowner was surprised to find idle men since he had plenty of work for them.
Note the first hires were promised a denarius for the day (the going wage at the time). He promised the others to pay them what was right.
Since these are day laborers, they are paid every day.
The Landowner’s Absolute Right
Most people would have been mad to receive the same pay. But that was because they expected more. The landowner paid what he promised them, and paid the others out of generosity.
The landowner said he could do whatever he wished with his money.
The evil eye here signifies jealousy. Deuteronomy 15:9
This phrase was frequently used to describe an envious man.
God may not reward you as you expect Him to. And He will reward others in unexpected ways out of His generosity and absolute authority to do so, not out of what they deserve.
This is grace, pure and simple. God is more than fair.
God does not treat anyone unfairly, but He does reward some who may seem less deserving in our eyes.
Eternal heaven is our ultimate reward; there are other rewards, however.
Take away: You can’t calculate the grace of God. It is what it is.
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