Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard Definitions Landowner - represents Christ Vineyard - represents the Church Laborers - represents Christians End of day - represents judgment Reward - Represents eternal salvation Matthew 20:1-16

The Parable and Its Message Owner hires workers – wage = penny early third hour sixth hour ninth hour eleventh hour All day workers complained ! All paid the same denarius

The Parable and Its Message Interpretations:  Workers - Jews ~ Gentiles  Gospel age till return of Christ  Periods of a person’s life Early Late

The Parable and Its Message Interpretations: First workers – apostles Other workers – called by Christ What everyone receives will be fair Those who responded late … “because no one hired us” Accepted as soon as they heard

Lessons from this Parable The Lord wants workers  not idlers  not bosses  not loafers Needs workers in His vineyard today Teaching, visiting, helping others Better “well done” than “well said”

Lessons from this Parable Kind of workers God wants Two classes Contract = penny a day Promise = whatever is right Willing Workers …..not hirelings Many excuses

Lessons from this Parable Eccl. 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Col. 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:1-16 Called by the Gospel ~ obey at once Laborers in the Kingdom ~ work diligently Do what we can ~ no mercenary spirit Attitude toward service ~ gratitude

Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:1-16 Much work to be done  Teach the lost  Teach the converts  Help the needy  Visiting the sick “Blessed are those who do His commandments” Rev. 22:14a

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga Sunday Evening December 8, 2013