Lessons For the Laborers ~Matthew 2:1-16
Pastor John Opferman
10:00 AM
October 20, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Recap from Matthew 19: "The last shall be first, and the first shall be last."
Matthew 20 expands and explains this concept.
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard as a reflection of the kingdom of heaven.
Stand in honor of God's Word and read Matthew 20:1-16.
God's Kingdom and Laborers (v. 1-7)
The Householder – A symbol of God going out to find workers.
The kingdom of heaven is compared to a man hiring laborers for his vineyard.
The Call to Work – God is always seeking people to labor for His kingdom.
The laborers are hired throughout the day (early morning, third hour, sixth hour, ninth hour, eleventh hour).
Key point: The call to labor is continuous. God is always calling people, no matter the hour.
Not Everyone Starts at the Same Time – Different laborers are called at different times, reflecting how people come to faith at various stages in life.
The Vineyard – The world is the vineyard; God’s people are the laborers called to work in it.
When we leave the church and enter the world, we step into the vineyard.
Laboring for God’s Kingdom, Not for Salvation (v. 8-12)
Salvation is not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
We are saved by grace, not by labor. However, we labor because we are saved.
Labor as a Response to Salvation (Ephesians 2:10).
We are created for good works after salvation.
The Reward is Not Dependent on Quantity of Labor – Everyone received the same wage, regardless of how long they worked.
The laborers who worked for one hour received the same wage as those who worked the full day.
Key point: God’s generosity is not based on how long we work, but that we are willing to answer His call.
Testing Attitudes Toward God's Grace (v. 10-12)
Grumbling of the First Workers – Those who worked the longest complained that they deserved more.
They were unhappy that the last workers were treated equally.
God’s Grace is Just and Generous – The householder reminds the workers that they received what was agreed upon.
Key point: God’s grace does not work by human standards of fairness but by His own generosity.
Prophetic Aspect: The Last Shall Be First (v. 13-16)
Many are called, but few are chosen – A test of the heart. God is seeking those who labor with the right attitude.
Key point: God tests not only the work but the motivation behind it.
The last workers are rewarded first, which represents a test for the early workers.
Tribulation and the Final Laborers – The last great revival will likely occur during the tribulation period, where many will come to Christ in a short time.
The last believers in history will receive great reward, as seen in Revelation 7.
The Nature of God’s Reward
Work is the Basis of Reward – Though salvation is free, rewards in heaven are based on labor (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).
The rewards are for faithful work, not the results. Success is in the labor, not the outcome.
Key point: God rewards based on effort, faithfulness, and obedience, not outcomes we can control.
The Judgment Seat of Christ – Believers will be rewarded based on their labor for the kingdom.
God rewards us not just for what we do, but why we do it.
Conclusion: The Last Shall Be First, and the First Shall Be Last (v. 16)
God’s Kingdom is Upside Down – The values of the kingdom of God often contradict human expectations.
The humble and those who come late may receive great honor, while those who expect more may be surprised.
Many are Called, Few are Chosen – God chooses based on the heart and motivation behind labor, not just the outward work.
Final Point: Labor in the vineyard with a pure heart, knowing that God's grace is abundant, and He rewards according to His wisdom.
Biblical References
Matthew 19:30: “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Matthew 20:1: "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard."
Matthew 20:4: "You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you."
Matthew 20:8: "Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first."
Matthew 20:13: "Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius?"
Matthew 20:16: "So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen."
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Ephesians 2:10: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
John 4:34: "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work."
John 4:35: "Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest."
Matthew 28:18-20: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
Luke 24:46-47: "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations."
John 20:21: "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
2 Corinthians 5:9-10: "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."
Revelation 7:13-14: "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Reflection Questions
How does the parable of the laborers in Matthew 20 challenge your understanding of fairness and grace in God's kingdom?
In what ways can you respond to God's call to labor in His vineyard, even if you feel it is "late in the day" for you?
Reflect on your motivations for serving God. Are you laboring with the expectation of reward, or out of love and obedience to Him?
How do you handle feelings of comparison or entitlement when you see others receive blessings or rewards you expected for yourself?
In what areas of your life is God calling you to work and bear fruit for His kingdom, and how can you actively step into that calling today?
Daily Activities
Share the Gospel with Someone
Activity: Choose one day this week to intentionally share your faith with someone, whether it's a coworker, neighbor, or family member.
Application: Step into the "vineyard" and participate in the labor for God’s kingdom by speaking about the hope you have in Christ.
Pray for More Laborers
Activity: Dedicate 15 minutes each day this week to pray specifically for God to send more laborers into His harvest.
Application: Ask God to reveal how you can personally contribute to the growth of His kingdom.
Serve in a Ministry
Activity: Volunteer for a ministry at your church, even if it’s something new or out of your comfort zone.
Application: Seek out an opportunity to labor in God’s vineyard in a practical way, offering your time and skills to advance His kingdom.
Reflect on Your Attitude Toward Service
Activity: Spend time journaling about your motivations for serving God and how you feel about your work in His kingdom.
Application: Reflect on ways to cultivate a humble and joyful heart in your service, avoiding comparison with others and focusing on serving with gratitude.
Study the Parable of the Workers
Activity: Set aside time to study Matthew 20:1-16 in depth, writing down your insights about God’s justice and generosity.
Application: Meditate on how this passage affects your understanding of grace and fairness, and consider how you can apply this perspective in your daily interactions with others.
