In review of Matthew 20:6-7 it says, "About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’”
Today's passage comes from the first half of Matthew chapter 20 in which Jesus tells a parable of the vineyard workers. In this parable He starts by comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to that of a landowner who went out early to hire workers. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and then sent them out to work.
At 9am as he passed through the marketplace he saw some additional people standing around doing nothing, so he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. He did the same thing at noon and at 3pm. Finally at 5pm he was in town and found even more people standing around. He had them go out and join the others in the field.
That evening the workers were called in to be paid. The owner started with the employees who were hired last and paid them a full day's wage. When those who were hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more and protested how they worked longer and harder for the same amount.
The owner answered saying, have I been unfair? Didn't you all agree to work all day for the usual wage? Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I'm kind to others?
This passage brings to mind several things. First I think it could be an illustration of what was to come, where salvation that was promised first to the Jews, would thereafter be offered to the Gentiles. Next, it reminds me that God calls us to be his people and to share his message. We get to be in heaven with him whether we do this for many years or one day. Lastly it reminds me that I, like the early hired workers think that I would receive in proportion to my efforts and be rewarded.
When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, I didn’t have to fill out a job application; yet I would consider myself as being hired in the kingdom of God! As a believer I am called, or commissioned, by our King and Father to spread the Gospel message.
I have been much like the workers in the parable, stand around letting others do the work or thinking that the work is only for pastors and missionaries.
Although my kingdom work may look quite different from their full-time ministry, my position in God’s corporation is invaluable and can only be filled by me! So wherever I’m at, God is waiting for me to go to work for Him.
This morning Father, I pray that You open my spiritual eyes to the kingdom work that You have prepared for me to do. Lead me today to people who need to hear the hope of Your eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. Let my efforts bring honor to Your name and glorify Your kingdom! In Jesus’ name.
Bottom Line:
Don’t just stand around waiting, go out and work.
What this means to me:
As a Christian, I am called to not just stand around, but rather to go out and work in His vineyard.
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