Bible Study Lesson about Jesus, Equal Work, Equal Pay from Matthew 20:1-16
The New Testament reveals many secrets about how to get to heaven. Christ explains about the kingdom of heaven in this parable about the workers hired by the landowner.
Should everyone do equal work for equal pay? Jesus says this ethic does not apply to heaven seekers.
Just as it is today, the standard of employment is “equal pay for equal work“, isn’t it?
And, I believe firmly in that system. A person working along side another who works just as hard, and the same amount of hours should receive the same reward.
But, as with many other “standards” of the day, Jesus did not always go by the set rules.
He has a different idea when it comes to acceptance in heaven as we find time and time again in Matthew. Let’s find out what it is.
Heaven is Not a Worker’s Union – Jesus Talks about Equal Work, Equal Pay
“When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius.
When those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius.”
When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’
But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius?
Take what is yours and go, but 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 what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’
So the last shall be first, and the first last.” – Matthew 20:9-16 NASB
All Workers Get Equal Pay
While part of the men worked a full day and others came in at different times, the landowner paid each the same. Doesn’t seem quite fair, does it?
But, Jesus was making a very powerful point with His story regarding the vineyard workers.
Salvation is for Everyone
The fact is, in this parable God is the landowner and we are the workers.
As believers, we all came to know Christ at different times in our lives but we all received the exact same salvation.
Even if we profess our belief in Christ and repent of our sins at the eleventh hour, we are still saved by the grace of God.
God’s Mercy Belongs to Him
Just as the landowner said in verse 15, “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money?“, God has the right to do as He pleases with His mercy.
He can distribute it as He wills. Is God “too generous?”
Not Because of What We Do – Because of Who He Is ..
So, you see? We are not saved because of the day & hour in our lives we first accepted Christ. Nor are we saved because we are good.
We are saved because God is good!
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”0718042220″ locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/51P3GADj6AL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”105″]Let’s not worry ourselves with the salvation someone else is receiving just because we have worked longer or harder than them.
Everyone who comes to Jesus receives God’s grace.
Be happy for them!
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about receiving the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here to see the first steps.