How very Protestant. How very Lutheran. How very Reformation Era!
Entry into God’s Kingdom is not gained by “our work” or by “our action,” but solely based on the “generosity of our God.”
Which is simply to say – “you can’t work your way into heaven.” You cannot “buy your way into heaven…” There are no
“Brownie Points” to be earned or accredited to you!
We are saved by “Grace alone.”
It is God’s good will to give you the kingdom! It is “a gift.” It is “a generous gift.” It will be fair to all.
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard is about “the first and the last.” It is all about “a reversal” of our present day expectations. Jesus does a good job at that!
There is “a flow” to this parable. Notice how the workers are compensated for their labors: “Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then, going to the first. There is a flow…
The last hired – are literally the first to be paid. The first hired are the last to be paid. The first hired have the longest to wait to be paid. The last hired get paid quicker…and almost immediately. The first hired get to see – what everyone else is paid. They wait in anticipation!
The first who have labored the “longest” and arguably the “hardest” receive the same amount of payment…
All things are equal. They get exactly what they agreed to…
It is for all intents and purposes “a scandalous reversal.” It is not what is expected, is totally “unexpected.” We do not see it coming. It plays havoc with our “hopes” and our “sense of justice.” We stand in solidarity with the first to be hired. We understand their emotions.
Just so you know, according to the Book of Revelation, Jesus is “the First and the Last!”
The “scandal of this parable” is that we are all equal recipients of God’s gifts. The “scandal of our faith” is that we are often covetous and jealous and envious (or can be) – when God’s gifts of forgiveness and life are given to others – “in equal measure.”
And of course, we know that this parable is “unique to Matthew” and to his gospel.
Why does the owner of the Vineyard go out of his way to make sure – that everyone knows they are all paid exactly the same? In spite of the differing number of hours actually worked?
Not surprisingly there is complaining and moaning and groaning…and a bit of little drama…all because, those hired “first” complain that they worked longer…but earned no more money than those who started late in the day.
A note to the wise is: Do not compare your pay to others…
Do not be dissatisfied if others get paid more or work less than you do in a similar job.
If you earn a decent wage, why make yourself miserable because others have it even better?
And of course you understand that “paying people the same” regardless of how much work they do – is an extremely questionable business practice.
Paying someone for “non-performance” is not a good business practice.
So perhaps this parable is not about work after all…
The greater context is that of Jesus giving surprising examples of those who belong to God’s Kingdom…for example…little children…who legally do not even own themselves. Children who are worthless and just another mouth to feed. Children who cannot work…but must be taken care of…
Jesus is also clear or has been clear that the kingdom does not belong to the rich…or at least “not to very many of the rich…”
Again, that was “something surprising” and a “reversal of normal thought…”
According to Jesus, the kingdom belongs to those “who follow him and his father”…and especially to the least of these…
The Kingdom of heaven is not gained by our work or by our action…The kingdom of heaven comes to us and to others through “the generosity of our God…”
It is a gift. It is a gift of love. It is a gift freely given.
God is merciful, slow to anger and abiding in steadfast love. This love he bestows upon us – freely.
But expect some reversals along the way…God is the great equalizer and it is his kingdom…
And we, for our parts should never be envious or jealous of someone else and their good fortune.