Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 20:1-2

"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a shilling a day, he sent them into his vineyard." — Matthew 20:1-2 (ASV)

The kingdom of heaven is all of grace, and so is the service connected with it. Let this be remembered in the exposition of this parable. The call to work, the ability, and the reward are all on the principle of grace, and not on that of merit. This householder was no common man, and his going out to hire laborers into his vineyards was not in the usual manner of men, for they require a full day’s work for a full day’s wage.

This householder considered the laborers rather than himself. He was up before the dew was gone from the grass, found laborers, and sent them into his vineyard. It was a choice privilege to be allowed to begin holy service so early in the morning.

They agreed with the householder and went to work on his terms. They might well be content, since they were promised a full day’s hire and were sure to get it; a penny a day represented the usual and accepted wage. The householder and the laborers agreed upon the amount, and this is the point that must be noted further on. Young believers have a blessed prospect. They may well be happy to do good work, in a good place, for a good Master, and on good terms.

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

It was a fair wage. It was for fair and healthful work which they were to do in the vineyard. They were happy men to be hired so early in the morning.

Never do those who serve Christ reject him; and though in this parable some are represented as finding fault with their wages, yet Christ's true servants do not do so. Their only request is, "Dismiss me not from your service, Lord." They feel it is reward enough to be permitted to continue working.

Indeed, this is one way in which we receive our wages during the day. If we keep one precept, God gives us grace to keep another. If we perform one duty, God gives us the privilege to perform another. So we are paid well.

We work in the work. We do not say "for the work," because we are unprofitable servants. Yet there is the penny a day.

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

That was the usual wage of the time, the daily pay of a Roman soldier.

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

The kingdom of heaven is all of grace, and so is the service connected with it. Let this be remembered in the exposition of this parable. The call to work, the ability, and the reward, are all on the principle of grace, and not upon that of merit. This was no common man, this householder, and his going out to hire labourers into his vineyard was not in the usual manner of men, for they will insist on a full day's work for a full day's wage. This householder considered the labourers rather than himself. He was up before the dew was gone from the grass, and found labourers, and sent them into the vineyard.

It was a choice privilege to be allowed to begin holy service so early in the morning. They agreed with the householder, and went to work on his terms. They might well be content, since they were promised a full day's hire, and were sure to get it: a penny a day represented the usual and accepted wage. The householder and the labourers agreed upon the amount; and this is the point that is to be noted further on. Young believers have a blessed prospect: they may well be happy to do good work, in a good place, for a good Master, and on good terms.