Matthew 20:1

§ 105. THE PARABLE OF THE LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD, Matthew 20:1-16 .

1. For This word indicates that the parable is intended to illustrate the principles inculcated at the close of the preceding chapter, on which see our notes. The parable indeed enforces the same principles as were brought to view in the whole passage from Matthew 19:16, namely, that we gain an inheritance in heaven not by payment for works done, but by the pure grace of God. No works of man can be an adequate equivalent for eternal glory. No works of man can confer a favour on God. Man cannot indeed be saved without becoming right and keeping right, by repentance of sin, and faith in Christ. But when he does by repentance and faith perform God’s conditions, and become right for receiving God’s favour and blessing, he has done God no favour, he has merited no eternal crown, he is an unprofitable servant, and he enters heaven by pure, abounding, forgiving, saving grace alone.

Kingdom of heaven The divine administration. This parable is in close connection with the last four verses of chapter 19. The householder is God; the vineyard is the service of God on earth; the first labourers are servants of a hireling spirit; the second are unassuming sinners, who, upon being converted, serve at their master’s will, leaving the reward to his decision. The former incur rebuke, the latter are justified. Early in the morning As all thrifty householders should, and as is specially necessary in warm climates.

To hire God seeks men, not they him first. He calls and they refuse or obey. Labourers God gives men a chance to labour, not because he needs their work, but because they need his reward. Peter and the apostles were such labourers.