A simple thought

Book of Matthew, Chapter 20, Verse 1-16, The Parable of the workers in the vineyard.

Matthew Poh

Last edited 351 days ago by Matthew Poh

Scripture | Matthew 20:1-16

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius[a] for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6 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?’

7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Scenario

In the book of Matthew, there lies a parable that speaks of the unfairness experienced by a group of workers in a vineyard. Throughout the scorching heat of the day, some toiled tirelessly from dawn till dusk. Others, however, only contributed their efforts for half a day, while a few joined in for a mere hour. Astonishingly, despite the varying lengths of their labor, they all received the same payment - a day's wage. This caused an uproar among those who had worked diligently throughout the entire day, as they believed it to be unjust to receive equal compensation as those who had worked less.

Agreement

Yet, it is important to note that the workers who had laboured all day had agreed to their wages before commencing their duties.

Discontentment

Their discontentment stemmed solely from witnessing others receive more than what they deemed fair. The paymaster, in response to their grievances, questioned their envy, stating, "Do I not have the right to do as I please with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?"

Employers Fulfilment

The employer had promised a fair day's wage for a fair day's work, and he fulfilled his promise accordingly.

Source of Dissatisfaction

However, the workers' dissatisfaction arose from their tendency to compare themselves to others, resulting in them feeling shortchanged. Their hopes were raised, only to be dashed by the reality of their situation.

Consider for a moment, how would you react if your boss decided to reward the newest employees with a bonus, while neglecting the loyal and dedicated workers who have been with the company for years? Undoubtedly, such a scenario would have a detrimental effect on morale.

However, it is crucial to understand that Jesus was not offering payroll advice through this parable; rather, he was imparting wisdom about the kingdom of God. Nevertheless, it is a parable that speaks on unbalanced thoughts.

The underlying Issue

The landowner, in his defense, proclaimed, "I have not wronged you. If you perceive this as unfair, the fault lies in your expectations, not in what you have received. Had it not been for the additional payment to the newcomers, you would have been content with what you were given. The issue lies in your expectations, not in my actions. You accuse me of being unjust simply because I displayed kindness to someone else."

The dangerous habit of Envy and Jealousy

In essence, this parable serves as a reminder to examine our own hearts and expectations. It urges us to refrain from comparing ourselves to others and instead focus on the blessings we have received. It teaches us that fairness is not always measured by equal distribution, but rather by the fulfillment of promises made. Let us not allow envy and discontentment to cloud our judgment, but rather embrace gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us.

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Scripture | Matthew 20:1-16

Source of Dissatisfaction

The underlying Issue

The dangerous habit of Envy and Jealousy

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