1. Laborers in the Vineyard Jesus used many commonplace things to teach spiritual lessons M ATTHEW 20:1-16

2. Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:1-3 “ For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace.” “ Spiritual Work

3. Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:4-6 “ And said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why have you been standing here idle all day? ” “ Spiritual Work

4. Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:7-8 “ They said to him, 'Because no one hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.‘ So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first. ” “ Spiritual Work

5. Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:9-11 “ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner. ” “ Spiritual Work

6. Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:12-14 “ Saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.‘ But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 'Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.” “ Spiritual Work

7. Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:15,16 “ Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?‘ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” “ Spiritual Work

8. Offered an incentive to get men to work in his vineyard Did not try to scare men into his vineyard Did not try to force men into his vineyard Only wanted volunteers Agreed to give them a decent wage if they would work in his vineyard Householder went out to HIRE Laborers

9. Jesus wants us in His vineyard – “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” {Matthew 11:28-30}

10. Householder went out to HIRE Laborers Those outside Christ will find no rest – “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” {Revelation 22:14}

11. Householder went out to HIRE Laborers To get into the vineyard of Jesus we must do His commandments – “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” {Matthew 7:21}

12. Householder went out to hire Laborers He did not want loafers or shirkers – “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” {John 9:4}

13. Householder went out to hire Laborers Our opportunity for work will soon be gone – “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” {Hebrews 9:27} – “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”{James 4:14}

14. Householder went out to hire Laborers Christians must work it out! – “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” {Philippians 2:12} – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” {1 Corinthians 15:58}

15. Householder went out to hire Laborers Into His Vineyard It does make a difference where the work is done Must be done in the RIGHT vineyard. We must look to the one for whom we work for pay – “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” {Colossians 3:17}

16. The Laborers Went at the FIRST OPPORTUNITY Men went to work in the vineyard at different hours of the day. – They DID NOT turn down the invitation All are encouraged to obey the Master’s call at the very first opportunity – Some will refuse to come to Jesus – Some will wait till it’s eternally too late!

17. Remember these four great lessons: – The householder went out to HIRE laborers – The householder went out to hire LABORERS – The householder went out to hire laborers INTO HIS VINEYARD – The laborers went at the FIRST opportunity Remember these four great lessons: – The householder went out to HIRE laborers – The householder went out to hire LABORERS – The householder went out to hire laborers INTO HIS VINEYARD – The laborers went at the FIRST opportunity Laborers in the Vineyard Won’t You Volunteer Now to Labor in the Vineyard of Christ?