Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 20:1-7
First, note that this is a parable and its purpose was to explain something about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Who's the main character in the story and what is he doing?
What did he tell the 6 a.m. (early in the morning) people that he would pay them?
What did he tell the 9 a.m. (third hour) people that he would pay them?
What did he tell the noon (sixth hour) people and the 3 p.m. (ninth hour) people that he would pay them?
What did he tell the 5 p.m. (11th hour) people that he would pay them?
Now, quitting time was probably around 6 p.m. Let's read what happened at quitting time.
Read Matthew 20:8-12
Now you need to know that a denarius (some translations say “a penny”) was a good wage for a whole day's work and was the customary pay for it.
What did the landowner pay everyone?
Was that fair?
Read Matthew 20:13-16
What did Jesus say about the landowner's right to use His money any way he chose?
How can you apply this to the Kingdom of Heaven?
There will be many instances where you can apply this. Some missionaries risk their lives to spread the gospel. Some get no or little response even after 40 years on the job. Others do the same job in relatively easy places and thousands come to know Jesus.
Another application is in the way God distributes health to His people. Some who serve Him diligently are rewarded with health into their 90's. Others who serve Him equally diligently die young or encounter health difficulties.
Another application is that some invite Jesus into their lives as a child and serve Him all their lives. Others invite Jesus in on their deathbed – yet both are granted Heaven as their reward.
I'm sure you can think of other ways to apply these verses. But remember, God is not being unfair. He blesses those He desires to bless – and He's the boss! And He knows what is best for each one of us.
In His service, dale
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