The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 20 Part 1 The Parable Of The Laborers And The Vineyard

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Jesus gave another parable in this chapter to help explain to us what the kingdom of heaven will be like.

As we look into this parable, it helps to remember that there is usually a future, prophetic fulfillment of Jesus' teaching.

We must also bear in mind that the same truth communicated in this parable, should be evident in our lives here on earth, until Christ calls us home to heaven.

Matthew 19:27-30  Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30  But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. 

It helps to recall that chapter divisions were added by editors in the 13th century and that verse numbers were added in the 16th century.

The first complete Bible that included chapter divisions and verse numbers was the Geneva 1560, which is a direct forerunner of the King James Version of 1611.

Both chapter divisions and verse numbers are extremely helpful everyone who reads the scriptures.

However, we do run into a few examples where the chapter division is in the wrong spot, and this is one of those examples.

This is why I included the last section from the preceding chapter, to help us keep these things connected in our minds.

Thus, in our minds we must connect the end of Matthew 19 with the beginning of Matthew 20, so that we see the flow of Jesus' teaching.

Similar endings in both these places demonstrate that the flow of Jesus' teaching continues through the chapter division. 

Matthew 19:30  But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Matthew 20:16  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. 

Thus, Matthew 19:30 ends with the same admonition that concludes this parable.

This repetition of endings is how we know that the parable beginning in Matthew 20, is connected with Jesus's teaching in the previous chapter.

Another helpful point is that the law of the kingdom of heaven is set forth plainly in the Sermon on the Mount, whereas the mysteries of Christ's kingdom are set forth in parables.

Thus, this parable teaches us about the mystery of the kingdom of God which was hidden from the Old Testament prophets. 

The Parable of the Seed and the Sower pictures the gospel of Christ being sown as good seed into the world, and the four heart responses to gospel preaching (See Matthew 13:1-23).

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares teaches us that in the kingdom of heaven and Christ's church, there is good wheat or believers existing alongside tares or unbelievers placed there by the Devil

The purpose of the Devil's tares is to cause division in the church and divert our attention away from gospel ministry (See Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43).

The Parable of the Mustard Seed pictures the advancement of the gospel of Christ into the world, and the rate of spiritual growth in individual Christian's lives (See Matthew 13:31-33).

The Parable of Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl of Great Cost teach us that His kingdom has tremendous value in itself and those who enter into it receive spiritual life, full forgiveness of sins, adoption into God's family and a home in heaven (See Matthew 13:44-46).

The Parable of the Net pictures the net of gospel preaching cast out into the sea of humanity,  catching both good fish (The born again) and bad fish (Unrepentant sinners).

The bad fish(sinners) will be separated from good fish (believers), and be cast into the fires of Hell.

Therefore, the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard has important truth to teach us about spiritual realities and how we live our lives. 

One broad theme touched upon in this parable is the mystery that Gentiles would be included in the kingdom of God.

The Jews heard the gospel first, and some believed but most rejected the gospel and Christ their King.

Then, gospel was sent to Gentiles who did respond with repentant faith as we read in the The Book of Acts (See Ephesians 2:11 to 3:13).

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard 

Matthew 20:1  For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 

Let us set the stage for whom the characters represent in Jesus' parable.

In this parable, the man who is a householder represents Jesus, who is Lord and Master of all.

The householder going out early in the morning, pictures the world where the gospel of Christ is to be faithfully preached.

The vineyard represents both Christ's church and His kingdom.

The laborers who are hired represent mankind's response to the gospel of Christ.

Thus, this parable has many practical applications for us today, while at the same time, it gives us a broader view of gospel ministry and the kingdom of heaven.

The words "is like unto" shows us how spiritual realities intersect with the world we live in.

Matthew 20:1  For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 

Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven "Is like unto" and the Greek word translated into this phrase is found in the word "homonym."

A "homonym" refers to words that share the same spelling but have different meanings. 

For example the word "bat" can refer to an animal that we do not want in our homes, or it may refer to a "bat" used by baseball players to hit a baseball.

Thus, in this parable, Jesus is teaching that His kingdom is similar to places or things that we are familiar with, yet unlike them in some respects.

Jesus Christ is represented by the "man that is an householder."

A "householder" is the head of a family, the goodman of the house, or the master of it. He has full control of all that happens within the home.

Christ is the Master and Householder of all the family of God in heaven and on the earth.

Ephesians 3:14-19  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 

We can get a good understanding of how the Householder or Master of the estate pictures Christ. 

A householder had authority to pay the estate's bills, hire and fire workers, and assign various duties to the family members.

The householder also required everyone to give an account of what they did for the estate.

Those who underperformed might receive a rebuke, while those who diligently did their tasks received commendation.

The underperformers will hear "thou wicked and slothful servant" (See Matthew 25:26).

The servants who did their job right will hear "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (See Matthew 25:23).

We will all bow our knees before the Lord Jesus Christ and praise His glorious name (See Philippians 2:5-9).

All believers in Christ bear the name "Christian" and this is why Paul tells us that the whole family of God's redeemed children, in heaven and earth carry this name.

We are presently to seek God's strengthening power in us through the Spirit of God working with our inner man, that new man created in Christ (See 2 Corinthians 5:17).

By faith, Jesus dwells in our hearts and we are to push forward seeking spiritual maturity, to be grounded in God's love and gaining a fuller grasp of our relationship with the Father through His Son.

Christ will gather all things in heaven and on earth together in Himself.

Ephesians 1:10  That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 

As Paul reveals this great mystery to us concerning Christ and His church, he tells us that all things in heaven and in earth will be gathered together in Him.

This corresponds exactly with the householder who governs everything related to the family with whom he has been entrusted. 

Ephesians 1:22-23  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. 

Paul emphasized that the Father has made His Son, Jesus Christ, the householder and has put everything under His feet.

This pictures Christ receiving all power in heaven and earth, such that He governs all things, including the elements of nature which He rules by the word of His power (See Hebrews 1:3).

Christ is the head of His church and the church is His body and the fullness of God is embodied in Christ.

Christ is Master and Householder over all the redeemed, who are made a habitation of God.

Ephesians 2:13-21  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and 20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. 

Jesus Christ is the One who shed His blood to pay or cancel all the debt of our sins, all those from the past as well as all those who have not yet been born.

Jesus broke down the walls of prejudice and animosity, so that both Jews and Gentiles worship God together in Spirit and in truth.

Where both Jews and Gentiles called each other vile names and refused to associate together, they are joined in the body of Christ.

The Jews were stunned to discover that Gentiles would also be included in God's redemptive plan, but scripture is clear.

Jesus is the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the whole world by the sacrifice of Himself once for all (See Hebrews 7-10).

All the saved, both Jew and Gentile, share alike in the benefits of salvation, for we are all indwelt by the same Holy Spirit who gives us all access to the Father in heaven.

All the saved, both Jew and Gentile are made members of the household of God.

All the saved, both Jew and Gentile are living stones placed carefully in this living temple of God, the body of Christ. 

All the saved, both Jew and Gentile are being made a habitation of God through the presence of His Spirit.

Philippians 2:5-11  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Again, we hear from the apostle Paul, whom Christ used to reveal the great mystery of His church, and this relates to the Parable of the Laborers and the Vineyard.

Jesus gave up everything in heaven to be born in a human body, and He became a slave who went to the cross, in order to save us from our sins.

Christ is our model and He shows that humility is a requirement for entering the kingdom of God.

He shows that we must die to self and be willing to take up our own cross if need be, in order to follow Him.

Because His Son perfectly completed His saving work on earth, the Father has highly exalted Christ.

He has given Jesus the highest and most honorable name, such that no name will ever exceed Christ's name.

All things in heaven, under the earth and on the earth are subject to Jesus Christ.

Every tongue, both believers and unbelievers, will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of His Father.

All the fulness of the Godhead dwells in Christ, and empowers Him as the Householder!

Colossians 1:15-20  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 

Paul continues unveiling the mystery of Christ and His church in his letter to the Colossians. 

Jesus Christ is the image of God, and all the fulness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily (See Colossians 2:6-12).

All things were created by Jesus and for Him.

Christ is the head of His church and all others are subordinate to His rule.

Jesus has dominion over invisible and visible things; over heavenly and earthly things and the Father has placed all honor and glory upon His Son, such that Christ is preeminent over all things. 

Jesus is Master of all because He became a man and died for us so that we do not have to die.

Hebrews 2:9-10  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 

Suffering preceded glory for Christ, and this is the heavenly pattern that will be worked out in our own earthly pilgrimage.

After His perfect obedience, His sufferings, death, burial, resurrection and ascension, Jesus was crowned with glory and honor.

He is the Captain of our salvation and through His sufferings, Christ will bring many children into the family of God.

Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between man and God and there is no other way of salvation.

Hebrews 12:22-26  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 25  See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26  Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 

Those who come to the Father through repentant faith in His Son, join the heavenly Jerusalem, and an innumerable host of angels.

We are made partakers of salvation with all those saints before us, whose names are recorded in the book of life.

Such a great transformation is possible only through Jesus Christ the only Mediator between God and man.

His blood purchased our redemption from sin and all those who hear and reject the gospel of Christ are condemned for their unbelief.

We must not to refuse the gospel and His offer of salvation to all who call upon His name, because to do so is deadly.

Those who reject will ultimately find out that God is a consuming fire when Christ comes in flaming fire to judge the wicked.

All living and created things were made by Jesus and belong to Him, as Householder over all.

Psalm 8:1-9  To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2  Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 3  When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5  For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6  Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7  All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8  The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9  O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Jesus applied this Psalm to Himself in the gospels and the apostles also applied it to Christ. and thus, it is a Messianic Psalm. 

Christ created all things and all things belong to Him. 

All the souls of men, all animals, whether on land, in the sea or in the air.

Jesus is over all the works of God's mighty hands and this is why His name is the most excellent name in all  the earth.

Who shall ascend the holy hill of God and worship in His temple? 

Psalm 24:1-6  A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2  For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3  Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4  He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5  He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6  This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

King David reminds us that the whole world belongs to Jehovah because He created it, founded it and established it.

He asks a question as to who is worthy to ascend the hill of God where Jerusalem is and who can stand in the Holy Temple to worship God.

Only those whose hands are clean and whose hearts are pure through the new birth.

Those saints from both the Old and New Testaments receive blessings and righteousness from God because they seek His face, to draw closer to Him.

Jesus Christ is the Master of all, and He is the owner of all.

He purchased our salvation at the unfathomable cost of great pain, sufferings, death and burial.

Christ's resurrection from the dead proves that the Father is totally satisfied with the work of His Son.

The whole reason for preaching the gospel is so that Christ, our Master, the Eternal Householder of all the things of God, might call and save more sinners from eternal condemnation.

The Parable of the Laborers and the Vineyard begins by knowing this powerful and authoritative Householder.

He is Jesus, the Son of the Living God; the Lamb who took away the sins of all humanity for all time.

He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life, the one who controls all creation with the word of His power.

He is the Master of all things and of our lives as Christians.

Therefore, let us learn that obedience is always the pathway to God's blessings.

We must daily deny ourselves and our own inclination to do what we want to do, in order that we might diligently do the will of Christ our Master, our Householder.

Bob