Matthew 20:1-19
Q.1. Would the Jews understand the imagery that Jesus was using about a vineyard? On what basis did the owner agree to pay them? What do we learn about the landowner? – (Mt.20:1-7 c.f. Isa.5:1-7)
The Jews knew that – the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel and the men of Judah his delightful plant (Isa.5:7 c.f. Ps.80:8-11). This parable of Jesus would have been highly significant to the Jews. He likened the Kingdom of Heaven to an owner who called workers at different times of the working day … all the way to the eleventh hour. The agreement – When he had agreed with the labourers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard (Mt.20:2). The agreed wage was a ‘denarius’ which was the normal daily wage. To those who started later, he promised -… You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you (Mt.20:4). The landowner called servants to join him in working in his vineyard (Mt.20:1-2, 4-7). His mission clearly started with Israel. However, the parable implies that other workers would join the effort.
Q.2. Which group was paid first? What was the complaint from those who worked longer? How does the story play out in history? Why was the reward for all the workers the same? – (Mt.20:8-16)
When it was time to pay, perhaps surprisingly the owner instructed his foreman – … Call the labourers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last group to the first (Mt.20:8). Regardless of when they started work or how long they worked, all were given a denarius. – When those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius (Mt.20:10). Those who had worked longer also received a denarius but – 11 When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, 12 saying, These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.' (Mt.20:11-12). History shows that some have had the privilege of serving God for a lifetime, while others had their lives cut short or have been saved later in life, as was the thief on the cross (c.f. Lk.23:42-43; Heb.11:35-38). However, the owner explained - 13 …Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go, but I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ (Mt.20:13-15). The order in which the workers were paid showed His grace to those who had worked only briefly. It also gave the Master the opportunity of explaining that all payments were an expression of His grace. None of us deserve to enter the Kingdom, much less have the honour of serving such a gracious Master.
Q.3. Whom did Jesus tell about His pending death? When would this event happen? Who would conspire to kill Him? How would they treat Him? Was His death to be the end? – (Mt.20:17-19)
Matthew Levi specifically recalled that Jesus gave the prophecy of His death to the Twelve, on His final journey to Jerusalem (Mt.20:17). Jesus predicted that – we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death (Mt.20:18). He would be mocked and scourged at the hands of the Gentile Romans (Mt.20:19). However, this did not find a lodging place in the minds of His disciples because it seemed totally unbelievable. Then Jesus declared that His death would not be the end, but that – … on the third day He will be raised up (Mt.20:19). Not until later would this truth register with them. (c.f. Jn.20:9).