The Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

This parable isn’t explained by Christ, but rather it explains what Christ means when he spoke on another topic. Preceding this parable is the conversation with the Disciples where explains what happened with the Rich Young Ruler (Matt 19:16-22). At the end of his explanation to the disciples is the conclusion:



Which is how he ends the parable of the workers:



The conversation between Jesus and the ruler ends with the ruler going away disappointed. He think he can earn his way into the Kingdom of God. Christ points out that his possessions are standing in the way:



However after the Ruler leaves, Jesus expands upon his conversation with the disciples:



Peter and the disciples see this interaction through a 1st century Jewish perspective where a rich man is closer to the kingdom than anybody else. And they ask with much astonishment:



The apostles are basically asking “If a rich guy can’t be saved, then who can be saved?”

Christ responds with:



Christ points out however that Rich men and Poor men enter the kingdom of God the same way, with God’s help. However, Peter goes off the rails and points out his own works:



Peter points out that he has in fact left everything as Christ commanded the Rich Young Ruler. Hasn’t he earned his way into the kingdom?



Note that Christ is emphasizing the “follow me” part of the requirements. It isn’t about the possessions, it is about the “follow me”.  This was Peter’s problem, what did he do at the crucifixion? He wasn’t there. What was he doing when Christ rose? He was fishing. With God’s help, Peter would overcome these things. Note here that one of the disciples hearing this teaching wouldn’t make it into the kingdom.



And note the next thing. Peter thought he was part of an exclusive club. Christ disabuses him of that notion. Notice those words “or”, they aren’t “and”. This leaves room for a lot of people.

And now we reach the parable.



The original laborers were hired for a formal and legal agreed upon price and they were sent into the vineyard.



Notice the workers hired later are not hired for a specific wage, but “whatsoever is right”. Their reward is not a negotiated a legal reward that is earned, but one of grace.

(Actually the words are “they will be made right”, which is what the follower of Christ hopes for. That they will be made righteous, i.e. "justified" or "righteousified".)



Under the Law of Moses, payment was made at the end of the day (Lev 19:13). However, you would expect that those hired first would be paid first. Instead the master first pays the last ones hired.

This may also be a picture of the judgment seat. If the Lord came today, the last generation might be the first to see the judgment seat.



Much to the astonishment of the hardest workers, everybody is paid the same amount. Peter, in the previous conversation is like these laborers. He thinks he should receive more than the rest. Jesus is telling Peter something.



This turn of events does not strike the flesh as “equitable” or “fair”. The hardest working naturally complain. However, the last ones hired will likely react with gratitude. They have enough to live on, even though they were only hired for 1 hour.  The guys who worked all day only complain about one group of people, the ones hired last. If this a picture of the judgment seat, and this is the last generation, they are complaining about the cushy lives of this generation, while they faced persecution.



The master didn’t do anything wrong. He honored his agreements, but was also generous. His generosity wasn’t appreciated by those who want “equitable” and “fair”. They wish to deny the master the opportunity to be generous. And as a result, the attitude of hardest workers has turned the generosity of the master into evil.

The ESV hides something here that the KJV brings out. “Is it not Lawful” for the master to do with his money what he will. The law does not preclude generosity to somebody else. This is a weakness of those wanting “fairness” and “law”.

Jesus is trying to unravel something in Peter’s mind. That the rewards in the kingdom are purely at the discretion of the master. He will bless whom he will bless. The attitude of the hardest workers rather than their hard work has moved them from first to last:



The story of the Rich Young Ruler was a lesson to Peter, and to anybody who thinks they have earned the favor of God over their brethren.

And likewise, it is a lesson to anybody who believes themselves to be spiritually strong, that God can chose to honor whomever he wishes. Those who consider themselves spiritually strong have to guard against the attitude of pride and entitlement that would turn God’s blessings into evil. Instead they should be happy that those they deem weak are also blessed.

That's a quite novel, and the most unnaturally stretched interpretation of that passage that I have ever read.

TLDR version, read the OP's last three sentences.

TWIRE didn't suggest the OP "got it wrong," rather, he suggests he's a bit winded about the explanation.  OP did get it right, but this is not a commonly disputed passage.  It is, nonetheless, a powerful reminder for those who fear spiritual pride.  It is a very dangerous and sneaky thing.  One must always consider other beliefs first with humility.  In my opinion, however, not at the cost of one's sanity.