Theme: SOME PARABLES OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST
Text: “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.” – Matthew 20:1.
Comment: In the parable of labourers in the vineyard, our Saviour, Jesus Christ drives home the message that the reward of salvation to an individual is not a function of when one was converted or the duration of one’s service. In the ultimate analysis, it is those who maintain their faith in God unto the end that will gain life by His grace (Matthew 24:12.13; Hebrews 3:14; 1 Peter 1:9). In his letter to the Hebrew believers, St. Paul wrote: “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” – Hebrews 3:14.
According to the parable, those who were initially invited to the vineyard received similar reward of a penny as those who came at about the eleventh hour. This was a day’s wage for workmen in the time of Christ. The penny stands for everlasting life (1 John 2:25). The different times which the labourers were called show the varying times people of God are invited by Him into His Kingdom organisation. Having heeded the call, all are expected to work out their own salvation with awe and godly fear. – Philippians 2:12.
The Householder who is the Almighty God retains the prerogative to grant the reward of salvation. (Psalm 24:1; 3:8; Ephesians 2:8). Thus, it is Him only we are to please so that in the end, He will grant us the promised reward by His grace. – 1 John 2:25.