520. MAT 20:1; MAT 20:15. THE PARABLE OF THE DAY LABORERS

Mat_20:1; Mat_20:15. The Parable of the Day Laborers

"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard," &c. Mat_20:1, Mat_20:15.

By some this parable has been supposed to refer to the various periods of life, when persons are converted and enter into the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. And hence those engaged at the eleventh hour are supposed to refer to persons becoming religious in old age, or to a death-bed repentance. It is very obvious that nothing of this kind was intended to be conveyed to us by the Great Teacher. The whole scope of the parable is to show that God, in the exercise of a gracious sovereignty, may dispose of his rewards to those who are late introduced into his vineyard, and whose period of labor is therefore of very short duration. Hence God may give the same spiritual or eternal blessings to the Gentiles last called, as he did to the Jews; or to the nations who shall be last converted to the faith, as he did to those converted by the apostles and earliest preachers of the gospel. To all he will be faithful in giving the promised rewards, and to some he may justly do this, who have labored but one hour in his service. Observe, however, several very important principles which the parable contains.

I. The condition, spiritually, in which sinners live. "Idle,’ during the day of life. "Idle," with the powers and facilities of labor. "Idle," though accountable to God, and notwithstanding his high claims upon their service. With death, and judgment, and eternity before them, still idle as to the great work of godliness.

II. The great design of the Christian ministry is to urge men to a regard to the duties of religion. Hence they must show men the folly and wickedness of neglecting their souls. That the toils of sin are infinitely more severe and degrading than the service of the Saviour. That Christ’s labor is sweet and refreshing, and in bearing his yoke, men find rest to their souls. Men must be urged to the work,

1. Of solemn consideration. A review of their past lives, &c. Their present condition. One great reason of men’s unconcern about their soul is, they do not consider. Hence the requirement of heaven is, "that they consider their ways." Hence the expostulation. Isa_1:2, Isa_1:3. Then there is the work,

2. Of sincere repentance. "Repentance towards God." A repentance involving in it conviction of sin’97contrition and sorrow for sin’97breaking off from sin, and turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart. An entire change of heart and life in respect of sin. See Isa_1:16, &c. Where fruits meet for repentance are brought forth.

Of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom He hath sent," Joh_6:29. Hence the disciples went forth, and preached that men should repent and believe the gospel.

III. That the Church of God is a sphere of labor and activity. Hence Christ’s disciples are to be working disciples. Men are introduced into the gospel, not only to enjoy its fruits, but to work therein. True religion is eminently practical. It is the devotion of the. heart and life to God. It is walking in the way of his commandments. It is doing the will of our Father in heaven. There are works of devotion’97works of self-denial’97works of benevolence and mercy. These works are fully specified in the word of God. And for the discharge of them, sufficient grace is provided.

IV. That God will reckon with his servants, and reward them when the day of labor is past. Let it not be forgotten that God has a right to all we are, and to all we can do. We never can place the Lord under any obligations by any thing we do for him. But in mercy and goodness to us, he hath promised great and munificent rewards to all his faithful servants. There are rewards in God’s service. For in keeping his commands, there is great reward. But the chief rewards of godliness,

1. Are reserved until after death. "Be thou faithful unto death," &c. "He that endureth to the end," &c. So in the parable, "when the even was come," Mat_20:8. The day of life past.

2. These rewards will be great. Not merely equitable remuneration. For, alas! what would that be to unprofitable servants. But according to his rich and overflowing mercy, the infinite bountifulness of his nature, through the immeasurable merits of the Mediator, will he abundantly bless us. These rewards, according to human calculation,

3. Will not be always proportionate. Those hired at the eleventh hour will receive the penny. The last converts, as well as the early ones, will be crowned with glory, immortality, and eternal life. None will receive less than they expected, but many infinitely more. The rewards,

4. Will be eternal. An eternity of rest after toil. An eternity of peace after the troubles of life. An eternity of joy after grief, and at God’s right hand, pleasures for evermore. A crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Learn,

1. That the sovereignty of God exhibited in this parable, is a sovereignty that inflicts no wrong on any of his creatures. It is merciful to all, though especially merciful to some.

2. How necessary to cherish a candid and generous spirit towards others. We should rejoice in the abundant blessings and privileges which some enjoy. Our eye ought not to be evil, because God is good, Mat_20:15.

3. Human conclusions will in many cases be reversed in the last day. "So the last shall be first, and the first last." &c., Mat_20:16.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS