Scripture Reading:

For the kingdom of heaven is like a land owner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard.

Now when he had agreed with the workers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

and said to them, " You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you." So they went.

Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them," why have you been standing here idle all day? "

They said to him, " because no one hired us." He said to them, " You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive. "

So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, " Call the labourers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first. "

And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.

But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they like wise received a denarius.

And when they received it, they complained against the landowner,

Saying, " These last men have only worked for one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.

But he answered one of them and said, " Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? "

" Take what is yours and go on your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. "

" Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? "

" So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen. "

After hearing this, most people today would say; that's not fair. If I worked a twelve hour shift for ten dollars an hour, I expect 120 dollars, and if someone else only worked an hour, he only gets 10 dollars, no more! But that was not what Jesus was telling the people...

Let me tell this story another way:

Jesus woke up early one day and decided it was time to share the good news of God and Heaven, with all people and nations.

During his first months Jesus called out to some people, come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. You will have a great reward in heaven, waiting just for you. So these first men went out as commanded, to make disciples of many nations.

A few months later he continued on, and saw some people gathered in a marketplace. He stood there and began to share the good news. Some walked away, others stayed and listened with great joy. He said; take up your cross and follow me, and you also will receive the same payment. So they went on their way, filled with the Holy Spirit.

About half way through his ministry, he came across many more people, they also agreed and went out to work in His name.

Now finally, towards the end, in the eleventh hour of His life; when he was nailed to the cross along with two criminals. One of the condemned cursed him and mocked him. The other man asked him if he was the son of God. Jesus said; " I am He. " He said, " I believe you, remember me. " Jesus responded by telling him, " Today you will be with me in paradise! "

In the last moments of this prisoners' life, he was saved by The master of the vineyard. He will be the first to be given the reward of eternal life in heaven.

Now during the end of days, when it was time to pay his workers; He called to his angels and said, " Gather all my people, the living and the dead, for it is time to render their just payments. " So all were gathered up and He separated the sheep from the goats. Then the books were opened. All who were not written in the Lamb's book of life were cast into the lake of fire, along with the beast and the false prophet.

It was time. He said, " now you all will receive full payment as I promised you. " I will begin with the last to the first. He called over the man who died at his side on the cross and said, " Come, my good and faithful servant, here is your reward as promised... Eternal life in My heavenly kingdom, full pay with all the benefits!!!

Well now, this made some people upset. A few people from the past remembered this man and said, " He was a criminal, why does he deserve full payment! We followed you from the beginning, for many years! "

Jesus said to one of them; " My friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree to the same terms? Take what I give you and go on your way, for I wish to give this man the same reward I give all of you. Because in his last hour of need he believed in me, and his reward is fair and just. " Then Jesus said, " for the last shall be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen. "

So all the people who obeyed and followed Jesus, were given eternal life, and were all invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb. For it is written; whoever will not work, will not eat. So all these people worked hard and earned their place at His table. Now no one will hunger or thirst ever again.

In Conclusion:

In this parable, Jesus was comparing our lives to a twelve hour work shift. Some were called to Him early in life and others were called much later. But many did not listen at all and went on their own way. These people did not get paid, instead they went spiritually bankrupt! As for me, if I live to be 70 years old, I would have found Jesus in around the fifth hour of my life. I say to you; " What hour are you in, and do you know Jesus? " He always knocks, all you have to do is hear Him and answer the door!

The moral of this parable is to not be angry, bitter, jealous, or envious of others. It does not matter if you were 6 years old or 76 years old when you found Jesus, because the payment is all the same for everyone... Eternal life and peace in His glorious kingdom...

Written by:  WhiTeMeTal. November 13th, 2002.