THE PARABLE OF THE WORKERS
Matthew 20:1-16
Key Verse and Theme: “But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you.’” (Matthew 20:13-14)
1. The landowner seeks out workers.
A. God is the landowner, and we are the workers.
B. We need to remember: We were chosen by God, we do not choose Him.
C. God has agreed to pay us a wage for our work. (John 14:2-4)
2. The workers perform the duties given by the landowner.
A. The owner told the foreman to pay the workers for their efforts.
B. The owner provides the means to meet the needs of the workers.
C. 1 Corinthians 9:7-12.
3. Some of the workers grumble.
A. All of the workers were hired for the same wage.
B. The landowner was gracious to the workers who were hired later.
C. “Or are you envious because I am generous?”
4. So What?
A. We are all God’s workers, regardless of when we were selected.
B. Our wages are not of this world, but God meets our needs.
C. We do not have a position of authority just because we were “hired” sooner.
D. Are you envious because God is so generous?
