Matthew 20:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The central issue lies in the fact that those initial laborers, who had brought great glory to God and labored diligently throughout the day, were not tainted by the intense emotions of malice, jealousy, or bitterness. When they observed that those who arrived later received the same reward, they complained, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have endured the hardships of the day and the scorching heat.” Despite suffering no loss themselves and receiving their due reward in full, they felt troubled and begrudging because others were favored, fueled by envy and resentment.

The evening signifies the conclusion of this present age; at its close, everyone receives a denarius. This denarius represents the grace of the Holy Spirit, which re-creates humanity in the likeness of God, allowing individuals to share in the divine essence. In contrast, those who lived prior to Christ's arrival endured greater hardships, as death had not yet been vanquished, the adversary remained unbroken, and sin was dominantly present. However, through the grace of Christ, we are justified in baptism and are empowered to triumph over our foe, who has already been subdued and defeated by Christ. In one interpretation, younger believers may bear more burdens than those who come to faith later in life.

Beloved, I mean no offense. I came across an author's work suggesting that the friend who responds to the objections of the householder, the worker of the first hour, represents the original man, Adam, along with those who had faith during his time. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? The denarius bears the likeness of the king. Therefore, you have received the reward that I promised: my image and likeness. Why do you seek additional compensation? Moreover, it seems you are less concerned about receiving more for yourself and more focused on ensuring that others receive nothing, as if your own reward is somehow diminished by comparing it with that of others.

In a similar manner to the way the wise father counsels his son in the parable, the compassionate master addresses the dissatisfied laborers with calm yet powerful words. HE responded to one individual, who had voiced his dissatisfaction more vocally and insistently than the rest, saying, ‘Friend! I DO NOT WRONG YOU; DID YOU NOT AGREE WITH ME FOR A DENARIUS? I have not altered the payment that we established together; by your consent, you have forfeited the right to contest the compensation, so there is no reason for you to be troubled.’

To prevent the apostles and all of Christ's disciples from perceiving the promised blessings as rewards dependent on their merits—similar to the Pharisees who sought to elevate themselves in the Messiah's kingdom—Jesus states: “But many that are first shall be last, and the last first.” In the Gospel of Mark, only this phrase is recorded; however, Matthew shares the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, illustrating how those who worked different hours received equal compensation. This parable clarifies the intent behind Jesus’s saying, as it relates to the context of His teachings (Matt. 20:16, Luke 13:30).

Upon witnessing that those who were hired at the last moment received a denarius each, the laborers who had toiled the entire day expected a greater reward. However, when they also received the same pay, they began to complain to the master, expressing, “We have borne the burden of the whole day and the heat of the sun, yet you have treated us the same as those who worked only one hour, and during the cooler part of the day.” In response to one of their complaints, the master replied gently, “Friend, I am not being unjust to you; did you not agree to work for a denarius? Take what is yours and depart; I choose to give this last worker the same as you. Do I not have the authority to use my own resources as I see fit? Or is your eye filled with envy because I am generous?”

The discontent expressed by the individuals unveiled their unfaithfulness to the commitment they had made, accompanied by an unrealistic expectation of receiving more than what was agreed upon. This dissatisfaction prompted a rightful admonition from the master, who addressed one of the disgruntled individuals, saying, "Friend, I do not wrong you; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go; but I wish to give to this last man the same as you. Do I not have the right to do what I choose with what belongs to me?

To address one individual, representing others who voiced their dissatisfaction with what they perceived as an unfair wage, it was stated that the payment of a denarius was in accordance with their arrangement, and they should not be displeased. If I choose to reward another who has worked fewer hours with the same amount, it is my prerogative and should not be a concern for you. I remain true to my commitment to you; take your due and depart. The terms are different for others; I will grant as I see fit, for I possess the right to manage my resources as I desire.

The diligent steward, as noted by the Venerable Nil of Sinai, also addressed the unjust envy of those who murmured and demonstrated that his benevolence fulfilled the truth. He refrained from allowing the unintentional fault of idleness to cause them harm, recognizing their intention rather than merely their actions. Their idleness stemmed not from negligence but from circumstance. Their claim, “No one will hire us,” exonerates them from the charge of laziness, indicating their willingness to work and attributing their inactivity to a lack of employment opportunities. Overall, it is fair that those who have completed a task deserving of a denarius be compensated with nothing less, even if they did not labor throughout the entire day.