Workers in the Vineyard – Matthew 20: 1-16
This parable is about God’s grace and equality and is similar to the parable of the prodigal son.
It might well be called the parable of the Landowner of the Vineyard, rather than the Workers in the Vineyard.
Because like the father of the Prodigal Son, the Landowner represents God, but the workers in the vineyard represent the Church.
But I don’t think there is a trade union in the country who would agree with the Landowner’s terms of trading, by paying a man who has worked all day the same amount as a man who just worked the last hour of the day.
But God doesn’t make contracts with us that are open to bargaining for a better deal.
The Landowner Demonstrated God’s Grace and Equality
God offers us all equally his unconditional love and grace in covenants – in which he promises us everything – just, everything.
There are no inner circles – no one is more loved and important by God than anyone else, all are equal. And God does not have chosen favourites, because each one of us is uniquely special to him and treasured beyond our wildest dreams.
Think of the thief dying on the cross next to Jesus, who confessed his faith as his death loomed. He was promised a place in heaven as surely as the loyal disciples who had left everything, they had to follow Jesus.
Let us give thanks from our hearts for a loving father in heaven, who loves us all equally, in good times and in bad times.
An amazing father who, when we ask him, will time and time again forgive us for the errors of our ways, offering unconditional love and the hope of life everlasting.
The Full Grace Series:
God’s Grace and Mercy : Part 2
God’s Grace and Equality : Part 3
