Matthew 20:5
“Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.”
Context:In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. The parable begins with a landowner who goes out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. He agrees to pay them a denarius, which was a typical day’s wage. Throughout the day, the landowner goes out at different hours and hires more laborers, even up to the eleventh hour. At the end of the day, he pays all the laborers the same denarius, regardless of the hours they worked.
Equality and Grace:The verse you mentioned, Matthew 20:5, refers to the landowner going out about the sixth and ninth hour (noon and 3 pm) and hiring additional laborers. This repetition demonstrates the landowner’s willingness to give more people an opportunity to work and earn wages. It highlights the generosity and grace of the landowner, as he extends the opportunity for labour even to those who were available late in the day. This parable teaches us that God’s grace and blessings are available to all, regardless of when they come to faith in Him or how long they have served Him.
Challenging Human Expectations:The parable challenges human notions of fairness and rewards. When those who worked longer hours saw that the latecomers received the same wage, they grumbled and complained. But the landowner reminds them that they agreed to work for a denarius and that he had not treated them unfairly. This parable emphasises that God’s economy is different from the world’s economy. In God’s kingdom, His grace is freely given to all who respond to His call, irrespective of their past or present circumstances.
Lessons for Discipleship:The parable of the labourers in the vineyard carries important lessons for disciples of Jesus. It teaches us not to compare ourselves to others or be envious of their blessings but to focus on our own relationship with God. It reminds us that salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned through our works. It encourages us to serve God faithfully and joyfully, without seeking recognition or reward from others.
