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Matthew 20:1-16

Listen to Matthew 20:1-16

1 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.

2 And when he had agreed with the laborers for a shilling a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing in the marketplace idle;

4 and to them he said, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.

6 And about the eleventh [hour] he went out, and found others standing; and he saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard.

8 And when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and pay them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

9 And when they came that [were hired] about the eleventh hour, they received every man a shilling.

10 And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a shilling.

11 And when they received it, they murmured against the householder,

12 saying, These last have spent [but] one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.

13 But he answered and said to one of them, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a shilling?

14 Take up that which is thine, and go thy way; it is my will to give unto this last, even as unto thee.

15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?

16 So the last shall be first, and the first last.

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Matthew 20:1-16 Study Resources

5 Important Lessons in the Meaning of the Parable of the Vineyard

Jessica Van Roekel

Who Are the Workers in the Parable of the Vineyard?

Chris Swanson

Sermons

Salvation Is Free

Raul Ries

Today, Pastor Raul underscore's God’s generosity in gifting us eternal life. Good works and religious activities – however well meaning – will never earn you a heavenly home. The price of your salvation was paid with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and your new life begins when you choose Him over everything else. Learn more on Somebody Loves You with Pastor Raul Ries.

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Working and Laboring for God Part 2

Jeff Johnson

In the world as we know it the powerful, rich and famous are highly regarded. But in the Kingdom of Heaven God has a much different standard for position and rewards that just may surprise you! We’re in Matthew chapter 20 today and upon first glance at this story you might be tempted to think God isn’t being fair or just! Some have totally missed the point of the passage and drawn the wrong conclusion as you’ll soon see.

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Not Fair (cont'd)

Tony Clark

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God Calls Many, but Few are Chosen Part 2

James Kaddis

We’re in Matthew chapter 20 today and upon first glance at this story you might be tempted to think God isn’t being fair or just! Some have totally missed the point of the passage and drawn the wrong conclusion as you’ll soon see. But before we get there pastor James will take some time to explain the difference between equality and equity, and yes there is a big difference.

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Evidence of Grace

Stuart and Jill Briscoe

A topic often discussed in Christian circles is grace-based faith versus law-based faith. It is our nature to gravitate toward a law-based faith. In fact, we do this without even realizing it. It's as simple as convincing yourself that God will not bless your day because you missed your morning quiet time. This law-based thinking is not what God wants us to have. In this message, Pete explains the importance of grace-based faith and gives us three Bible passages that are evidence of God wanting us to live in His grace. This is the 15th message in Pete's 16-message series "True Identity." Matthew 20:1-16

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Working and Laboring for God Part 1

Jeff Johnson

It may seem unfair to you that someone who has been walking with God for many years can potentially receive the same reward as someone who barely makes it into heaven. How in the world is that fair and if it is, by whose standards? Let’s talk about it today on Sound Doctrine as we open up Matthew chapter twenty with pastor Jeff Johnson.

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The American Standard Version is in the public domain.