Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 20:14-15

"Take up that which is thine, and go thy way; it is my will to give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?" — Matthew 20:14-15 (ASV)

The good man stands by his determination of bounty. He will not be driven from liberality by envious tongues. What he gives is his own, and he maintains his right to do as he pleases with it. This is a fine illustration of the sovereignty of divine grace. Each man shall have all he can claim. Take that thine is, and having it, let him rest content, Go thy way. The Lord will not be ruled by our regulations, but declares, I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

It is condescending on His part to say a word in defense of His most fit and fair position, Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? If mercy is the Lord’s own, He may give it as He pleases, and if the reward of service is wholly of grace, the Lord may render it according to His own pleasure. Be sure that He will do so. In words of thunder He says, both under the law and under the Gospel, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

That was a pointed question for each of the grumblers to answer: Is thine eye evil, because I am good? Does it make you jealous to see others enjoy my bounty? Because I am good to these who deserved so little, does this deprive you of the good which I have granted to you?

Let us never envy late converts their joy or their usefulness, but applaud the sovereignty which blesses them so largely. We share the mercy with them. Let us give them an equal portion of our joy.