Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 20:1-16

"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. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing in the marketplace idle; and to them he said, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh [hour] he went out, and found others standing; and he saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard. And when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and pay them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that [were hired] about the eleventh hour, they received every man a shilling. And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a shilling. And when they received it, they murmured against the householder, saying, These last have spent [but] one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. But he answered and said to one of them, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a shilling? 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? So the last shall be first, and the first last." — Matthew 20:1-16 (ASV)

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.