Parable of the Landowner

Matthew 20:1-7 - For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. 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 idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

Here we have a landowner. He needs help to work in his vineyard. He goes out to hire. His agreement, if you look closely, is a denarius a day. At the end of this day all the laborers gather for their earnings. Each is given a denarius and a commotion arises when those who worked all day got the same as those who worked an hour or two. Those were the conditions...a denarius a day.

The landowner can be viewed as God. The vineyard is the world. The workers, those who have given their lives to Christ. Whether we come into relationship with Him early in life or at the end, He treats us equally. Some may have worked a very long time for Him...and may be granted more eternal rewards...but all are part of His Kingdom.

When we receive Christ what difference should it make here on earth? It's all about our eternal life anyway since we will be there longer than here! God has enough to give to all people, according to their needs. He will heal all hearts, for sure, when they receive Christ. Healing bodies is part of His will also. But sometimes He heals to show His glory and boost faith in an individual...or for someone else to bring them into His kingdom. Or He won't heal to keep a person relying on His strength and not his own. His will. He is God.

It was His will also to choose to pay each person the same amount for inequal amounts of work. Some were called to work and they accepted. Others did not. But those who were chosen got paid. Same with Christ. Some will be called and receive Him, some never will. All who receive have their debt paid. Shouldn't that make us grateful enough to not grouse? There's a supernatural thing that takes place. God is here for all people and there's enough of Him to go around! And we are all equal in His sight when we have chosen to believe, receive, trust and have faith in Him. Hallelujah! If He has or is calling, decide to choose lest you become one of the "few" He alludes to.

Matthew 20:14-16 - Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.