Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 20:10

"And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a shilling." — Matthew 20:10 (ASV)

But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more — Until this point, we can imagine the disciples listening with eager interest, yet only partially understanding, if at all, the meaning of the parable. They were perhaps expecting some payment for the first-hired workers that was proportional to the length of their service. Now, unless they were completely blind, they must have recognized their own thoughts reflected in the parable. They too, as their question showed, had been expecting to receive more. Eternal life was not enough for them without some special privilege and priority over others.

The fact that the first workers were paid their wages adds a touch of gentleness to what would otherwise seem to be the parable's severity. The presence of a self-righteous, self-seeking spirit spoils the full blessing of contentment; but if the work has been done, it does not completely deprive them of their reward. The workers who grumbled are, in this respect, in the same position as the elder son in the parable of the Prodigal Son, who was told in response to his complaints that everything his father had was his (Luke 15:31).