The parable explains that entry into the Kingdom of God is by grace alone. This is about salvation. Working in the kingdom of God means our acceptance of kingdom values. It happens when we cease to be governed by our will. That is the time when we can confidently say,: “ Thy will be done ” .

Among the laborers there are two groups- one set that was hired in the early hours and the other set that was hired at the eleventh hour. The labourers are believers . Believers who are ‘seniors’ by virtue of years they have served in the church tend to look down upon the so called inexperienced novices who opt to serve the Lord may be late in life. The call to trust and serve comes from God. A senior member grudges the acceptance extended to young people in a church or in any Christian organization. This is portrayed in the parable. Both the groups promoted the interest of the master. The grumbling group of labourers were disgruntled because they anticipated a preferential treatment. Like the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal son who could not understand the heart of the loving father, they could not understand and appreciate the generosity of the master. Hence, their relationship with the master and their fellow workers could have become strained.

Those who were hired late did not give up. They were willing to work. The master saw their willingness to work and their attitude was rewarded. Prophet Samuel was deceived by the external appearance of the sons of Jesse but God saw the tender heart of David.

The laboureres who spent longer time in the filed expected a greater recognition. Zeal for the Lord is wrongly calculated by the hours spent for His work. People’s actions and reactions reveal more of their real passion for God. The angry response of the group that spent long time in the field cancelled their hard work. Our involvement in work related to God without compassionate understanding of the needs of others will not be appreciated by God Himself. The older brother also despised the father’s acceptance of the younger one saying that he had been working very hard for his father. Jesus wanted to drive home the point that what goes within the heart of an individual is more under the scrutiny of God than what he does to please Him.

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh