by James Pate

Created on: June 12, 2008   Last Updated: June 14, 2008

In the parable of the laborers (Matthew 20:1-16), a master hires workers for his vineyard. He hires some in the early morning, and some throughout the remainder of the day, up to the late afternoon. The ones he hires in the early morning agree to the usual daily wage. At the end of the day, the master gathers together all of his workers to give them their payment, starting with the ones he hired at the latest hour. When the early birds see that he pays the latecomers the usual daily wage, they expect that they will receive more, since they worked longer. But the master gives all of them the exact same amount: the usual daily wage.

Well, needless to say, the ones the master hired in the early morning are quite upset: "These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat" (NRSV), they complain. They thought they deserved more than they got! But The master reminds them that they agreed to their wage at the outset. And he says that he has a right to do what he wants with his own property, and that they shouldn't be mad just because he is generous.

Who are the disappointed workers? Many Christian commentators say that they represent the Jews, who are replaced by newcomers (the Gentiles) as God's chosen people. But I have another proposal: maybe the complaining workers are the disciples.

In the immediately preceding chapter (Matthew 19), a rich young man walks away from Jesus because he cannot give up his possessions. Jesus then says that it's hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. When the disciples ask, "Who then can be saved?," Jesus responds that all things are possible for God. Peter than says, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" And Jesus promises them a reward for their sacrifice.

Peter reminds me of the disappointed workers. Here Jesus is, talking about the generosity of God and his power to save even those who cling to their riches-people like the rich young man who had just walked away. And here Peter is, bragging about himself: "Well, Lord, that rich man walked away, but we're not like that. We're so much better. We left behind everything-family, homes, and property-just to follow you. What will our reward be? We deserve something special! We've been out in this scorching heat for such a long time!"

How would Peter react if God showed favor to people who did not sacrifice as much as he did? His tone tells me that he would've been disappointed. He wasn't focusing on God's grace, but on what God owed him for his personal sacrifice. And that attitude not only makes following God a burden. It also leads to a lack of love for others.

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