Laborers in the Vineyard

Matthew 20:1-16

To illustrate the boundless nature of God’s grace, Jesus told a parable about the manager of an estate who hired men to labor in a vineyard. Some were hired early in the morning, with the promise of the accepted wage for the day. They wanted a contract and “agreed” (Matthew 20:2) to work for a standard coin. Others were hired at different intervals throughout the day. The last was hired “at the eleventh hour” (verse 6). That was 5 PM. They had no contract and were willing to accept whatever the owner thought was right (verse 7).

The word “penny” (verse 2/KJV) can be misleading to us, because it seems entirely too small for a day’s pay. The coin was a “denarius,” which was the typical pay for one day’s work by a common laborer. Also, the term “standing idle” (verses 3, 6) sometimes means “lazy,” but here it means “unemployed.” The men were there because “no man has hired us” (verse 7).

We must keep in mind the common practice of the day. These men were standing in the marketplace, where they came early in the morning. They carried their tools and waited until someone came and hired them. These were not street corner idlers. These men were waiting and looking for work. The fact that some of them stood there until 5 o’clock in the evening is proof of how desperately they wanted to work.
The custom, in keeping with the Law in Leviticus 19:13, was to pay laborers at the end of each day. And the point of this parable is that at the end of the day (about 6 PM), the manager began to pay those who had worked that day. He began by paying first, those who were hired last (verse 8b). Normally, those who worked longest in the fields would be paid first.

The owner also told the steward to pay everyone a denarius. Normally, an owner would pay people based on how long they worked. In the parable, however, the workers all received the same pay–and when everybody was paid, those who had labored from early in the morning, complained.

Those who worked the longest, said it was unfair to give the same amount to those who had labored only one hour, as was paid to those who labored all day. The complainers, in the words of the Living Bible paraphrase said, “Those fellows worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them as much as those of us who worked all day in the scorching heat” (verse 12). (Obviously, those workers who started late in the day, could not do the amount of work done by those who had started earlier–but their labors would benefit the landowner all the same, because he wanted to harvest as much as possible while there was still time.)

The manager explained to the complainers that he was paying them in accord with what they had agreed upon, and thus they should be satisfied. He had a right to do with his money what he deemed best. He said, “Don’t I have a right to do what I want with my money?” (verse 15). After all, he had kept the promise he had made to each employee. Those employed early in the day agreed to work for a “denarius.”

The parable is a picture of God who is the estate owner. Believers are those who work for Him. The lesson could apply to people saved at different stages in life–youth, middle life, and later years. Our Lord’s pay is not based on what we deserve; it is a gift of His bountiful favor. This is a parable about God’s grace. Our Lord is generous and gracious, and He has given all of us better than we deserve. And as the giver of eternal life, He has the right to give it in whatever proportions, and at whatever times, He pleases. God has the right to determine the conditions of salvation, and to determine the kinds of rewards that He gives.

The thief, for example, who repented only during his dying moments on the cross (Luke 23:40-43) will be in Heaven, as well as those persons who served the Lord faithfully for many years.

Should we resent God’s grace, which was extended to the thief in his dying moments?

Should we be jealous of what God has given to another person?

Shall we be envious, because He may not require as much of some as He does of others?

It is only God’s grace, His tremendous favor, that has saved us–and, after all, if He chooses to save others who served Him for less time, and perhaps with less dedication–that is up to Him. God is sovereign, and He will mete out rewards according to what He knows is best. So why should we be envious of the blessings others may receive? The one major point of this parable then, is that God’s loving grace accepts the lowest member of society, on an equal footing with the elite.

The word “grace” speaks of the sheer undeserved, unmerited, unearned, incredible kindness of God extended to those who admit that they can’t save themselves. If we see the magnitude of our sins, and the wonder of God’s forgiveness–and remember how the God of all grace reached down from heaven, and opened our eyes to see the truth of salvation, and graciously provided forgiveness each of us can echo the words of the hymn which says, “I know not why God’s wondrous grace, to me, He hath made known; nor why, unworthy, Christ in love, redeemed me for His own.” Yet so it is!

–Harold S. Martin

 

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THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

This class will provide a broad overview of general church history. We will then focus on the Anabaptist and Pietist movements, especially as they relate to the formation and development of the Brethren groups. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

ONE FOUNDATION

This course is intended to lay down a measure in a world where truth is slippery and often subject to interpretation. Where “Christian Values” become a political slogan, and “good people” are our allies despite their faulty core beliefs. Where Facebook “friends” post memes about the power of God, despite a lifestyle that is anything but Godly. In the process we often fight among ourselves, doing Satan’s work for him. The purpose of this course is to lay the measure of Jesus Christ against the cults, religions, and worship in our contemporary world.

THE APOCRYPHA

While Protestant translations of the Bible contain 66 books, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognize additional canonical books as well.  Where did these books, collectively known as the Apocrypha, come from and why aren’t they part of our Bible?  How reliable are they, and what value is there in studying them?

STUDIES IN 1 AND 2 PETER

The goal of this class is to acquire a firm grasp of the teachings and themes of these two general epistles. Peter covers topics from salvation and suffering to spiritual deception and the return of Christ. These letters are packed with warnings and encouragements for Christian living.

THE GREAT I AM’S OF CHRIST

A detailed study of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the “I Am” metaphors in John’s gospel. Why did Jesus describe himself in these terms? How do they relate to each other? We will look at spiritual and practical applications to further our Christian growth.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES: AN AMERICAN CULT

Have you ever been visited by someone who said they wanted to study the Bible with you so that you might discover the truth together?  Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to have much in common with evangelical Christians, and they seem to be well versed in the scriptures.  But what do they really believe and how can we effectively witness to those who have been ensnared by this false religion?

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

While we may consider Hosea as one of the minor prophets, his message vividly illustrates the major doctrine in all Scriptures.  The theme of God’s unconditional love is magnified and extended beyond those deserving it.  God expresses tender words towards His erring people inviting them to turn from sin to reconciliation with Him.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

This course will look at basic principles and polity of leading the local church. We will examine the balance between upholding a spiritually focused organism of ministry and cultivating proper order for effective organization. Practical applications will be emphasized. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.