Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 20

This parable's primary purpose seems to show that although the Jews were first called into the vineyard, the gospel would eventually be preached to the Gentiles. They, too, would be admitted to equal privileges and advantages with the Jews. The parable may also be applied more generally and shows:

1. God is indebted to no one.
2. Many who begin last and promise little in religion sometimes, by the blessing of God, achieve a great deal of knowledge, grace, and usefulness.
3. The recompense will be given to the saints, but not according to the time of their conversion.

It describes the state of the visible church and explains the declaration that the last shall be first, and the first last, in its various references.

Until we are hired into the service of God, we are standing idle all day. A sinful state, though a state of drudgery to Satan, may be called a state of idleness.

The market-place is the world, and from there we are called by the gospel. Come, come from this market-place.

Work for God does not allow for trifling. A person may go idle to hell, but whoever wants to go to heaven must be diligent. The Roman penny was seven and a half pence in our money, sufficient wages then for the day's support. This does not prove that the reward for our obedience to God is by works, or as a debt; when we have done all, we are unprofitable servants. But it signifies that there is a reward set before us; yet, on this presumption, let no one put off repentance until they are old.

Some were sent into the vineyard at the eleventh hour, but no one had hired them before. The Gentiles came in at the eleventh hour; the gospel had not been preached to them before. Those who have had gospel offers made to them at the third or sixth hour, and have refused them, will not have to say at the eleventh hour, as these did, No man has hired us. Therefore, not to discourage anyone, but to awaken all, let it be remembered that now is the accepted time.

The riches of Divine grace are loudly grumbled about among proud Pharisees and nominal Christians. There is a great tendency in us to think that we have too little, and others too much, of the tokens of God's favor; and that we do too much, and others too little, in the work of God. But if God gives grace to others, it is kindness to them and no injustice to us. Carnal worldlings agree with God for their penny in this world and choose their portion in this life.

Obedient believers agree with God for their penny in the other world and must remember they have so agreed. Did you not agree to take up with heaven as your portion, your all; will you then seek for happiness in the creature? God punishes no one more than they deserve and recompenses every service done for Him; He therefore does no wrong to anyone by showing extraordinary grace to some. See here the nature of envy.

It is an evil eye, which is displeased by the good of others and desires their harm. It is a grief to ourselves, displeasing to God, and hurtful to our neighbors: it is a sin that has neither pleasure, profit, nor honor.

Let us forgo every proud claim and seek salvation as a free gift. Let us never envy or resent, but rejoice and praise God for His mercy to others as well as to ourselves.

Christ is more particular here in foretelling his sufferings than before. And here, as before, he adds the mention of his resurrection and his glory, to that of his death and sufferings, to encourage his disciples, and comfort them.

A believing view of our once crucified and now glorified Redeemer, is good to humble a proud, self-justifying disposition. When we consider the need of the humiliation and sufferings of the Son of God, in order to the salvation of perishing sinners, surely we must be aware of the freeness and richness of Divine grace in our salvation.

The sons of Zebedee misused what Christ said to comfort the disciples. Some people cannot receive comforts without turning them to a wrong purpose. Pride is a sin that most easily ensnares us; it is sinful ambition to outdo others in splendor and grandeur. To counter the vanity and ambition of their request, Christ directs their thoughts to their sufferings. It is a bitter cup that is to be drunk; a cup of trembling, but not the cup of the wicked.

It is only a cup, it is only a drink, bitter perhaps, but soon emptied; it is a cup in the hand of a Father (John 18:11). Baptism is an ordinance by which we are joined to the Lord in covenant and communion; and so is suffering for Christ (Ezekiel 20:37; Isaiah 48:10). Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace; and so is suffering for Christ, for unto us it is given (Philippians 1:29). But they did not know what Christ's cup was, nor what His baptism was. Those are commonly most confident who are least acquainted with the cross.

Nothing causes more trouble among fellow believers than the desire for greatness. And we never find Christ's disciples quarreling without something of this being at the bottom of it. The person who labors most diligently and suffers most patiently, seeking to do good to their fellow believers and to promote the salvation of souls, most resembles Christ and will be most honored by Him for all eternity. Our Lord speaks of His death in the terms applied to the sacrifices of old.

It is a sacrifice for the sins of humankind, and it is that true and substantial sacrifice which those of the law faintly and imperfectly represented. It was a ransom for many, enough for all, effective for many; and, if for many, then the poor, trembling soul may say, "Why not for me?"

It is good for those under the same trial, or weakness of body or mind, to join in prayer to God for relief, that they may enliven and encourage one another. There is mercy enough in Christ for all who ask. They were earnest in prayer.

They cried out as men in earnest. Cold desires beg denials. They were humble in prayer, casting themselves upon, and cheerfully entrusting themselves to, the Mediator's mercy. They showed faith in prayer, by the title they gave to Christ. Surely it was by the Holy Spirit that they called Jesus, Lord. They persevered in prayer.

When they were in pursuit of such mercy, it was no time for timidity or hesitation: they cried earnestly. Christ encouraged them. The wants and burdens of the body we are soon aware of, and can readily relate. Oh, that we would complain with the same depth of feeling about our spiritual ailments, especially our spiritual blindness!

Many are spiritually blind, yet say they see. Jesus cured these blind men; and when they had received sight, they followed him. None follow Christ blindly. He first by his grace opens men's eyes, and so draws their hearts to him. These miracles are our call to Jesus; may we heed it, and make it our daily prayer to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.