Matthew 20:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is the significance of this parable? Its intent is to encourage those who transform their lives and strive to be better individuals later in life to become more fervent, freeing them from feelings of inferiority in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Lord illustrates that others may look upon their possessions with sadness, not to depict an overwhelming sense of envy or torment, but to reassure that even those who convert late will be acknowledged in ways that might spark envy in others. We often express this ourselves, saying, ‘He reproaches me because I have bestowed such honor upon you,’ not because any genuine accusation is made or out of a desire to malign anyone, but to highlight the significance of the blessing received by another. Why did He not summon everyone at once?

The evening signifies the culmination of the age; at this conclusion, everyone is granted a denarius. This denarius symbolizes the grace of the Holy Spirit, which reshapes humanity into the likeness of God, enabling participation in the divine essence. Those who existed prior to the advent of Christ endured greater hardship, as death had not yet been vanquished, the devil remained intact, and sin was vibrant. However, we, through Christ's grace and having been justified in baptism, are endowed with the strength to conquer our adversary, who has already been defeated and destroyed by Christ. One interpretation suggests that those who come to faith in their youth endure greater struggles than those who find Christ in their later years.

Refer to the commentary on Matthew 20:15. The workers did not even discuss their wages with him, unlike the others. He assessed their efforts based on their behavior and adjusted their compensation accordingly. This parable illustrates that no one should claim, “Since I was not called as a child, I was therefore never accepted.” It demonstrates that a person will be welcomed regardless of when they choose to repent.

Do not look down on an elder who wishes to embrace the monastic vocation, for the Lord likewise accepted those who came at “the last hour.” You might not realize that he could also be a “chosen vessel” as mentioned in Acts 9:15.

O Lord Jesus, if only You would remove our burdens and share the bread with us! For You are the steward of the Father’s household. How wonderful it would be if You deigned to accept us as Your workers, even if we arrive at the last hour! You employ those who join at the eleventh hour and graciously reward them with the same wages—life itself, rather than mere glory. The crown of righteousness awaits not for all, but for those who can proclaim, “I have fought a good fight” (2 Tim. 4:7).

Is it not true that at the last moment, the thief arrives, delayed not by age but by retribution, who acknowledged God while on the cross and, in that very act of confession, surrendered his earthly life? The Lord starts with the last in line, for the thief was ushered into the serene bliss of paradise before Peter. How many were patriarchs prior to the Law? How many existed under the Law? Yet, those who answered the Lord's call entered the kingdom of heaven without hesitation.

In the parable of the laborers, the individual who labored for just one hour received the same reward from his master as those who worked longer. The hours depicted in this story symbolize the progression of our lives, with the eleventh hour representing the final moments of our earthly existence. The Savior reveals that even those who have lived up to this point without serving Him can begin to do so and find favor in His sight just like others. Therefore, there is no reason to feel disheartened by aging or to despair over the idea that it is too late to start anew. Do not let timidity hold you back; the Lord's mercy is abundant, and He will extend to you all that He offers to others, both in this life of grace and in the righteousness to come.

In order to prevent the apostles and Christ's followers from mistakenly believing that the promised blessings depend solely on their achievements—similar to the Pharisees' ambition to claim superiority in the kingdom of the Messiah—Jesus proclaimed: “But many of the first shall be last, and the last first.” This particular teaching is noted in Mark's Gospel, while Matthew includes the parable of the vineyard workers who were all compensated equally for their labor. This parable illustrates the context in which Christ employed this statement: "So the last will be first, and the first last; for many are called, but few chosen" (Matt. 20:16; Luke 13:30).

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard carries a central message: just as each laborer received a denarius, irrespective of the hours worked, so too in the Kingdom of Heaven will those deemed worthy receive the joy of Eternal Life, regardless of the time taken to attain it. Individuals who have led a life of virtue, consistently pursuing the will of God, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven alongside those who turned to Him in their later years. A poignant example is the thief who acknowledged his transgressions just before his death on the cross, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God (Luke 23:39-43). Christ repeatedly emphasized that it is never too late to seek repentance.

In the evening, the owner instructed his steward to facilitate the payment of the workers, beginning with those engaged later in the day. These workers had responded readily to the initial call and had earnestly endeavored to compensate for the limited hours. Therefore, the owner commanded that they be compensated as if they had completed a full day's labor for their efforts.

In the divine economy of grace, it is not merely the length of our spiritual endeavors that holds weight, but rather the fervor, passion, and complete submission to God’s will. With such attributes, even brief acts can hold a significance before God that parallels those of a lifetime. The reward in the blessed kingdom of Christ is not determined by human standards but relies solely on the judgment of God, who sees into the innermost being. The Saviour communicated this profound truth through a poignant parable, which resonated deeply with the apostles, who were initially called to enter the kingdom of Christ. They were reminded that this privilege could be forfeited due to pride, self-importance, and negligence. As was His custom, the Saviour crafted the imagery of His parable from the everyday experiences of His disciples.