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Introduction: The Paradox of Reward in the Kingdom

After discussing the rewards for self-sacrifice, Jesus introduced a profound paradox to His disciples: “But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30, UASV). This statement, coupled with the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, highlights the potential for those who seem to be first in the kingdom to find themselves last, and those who seem to be last to be first. This paradox challenges human assumptions about merit and reward, particularly in the context of God’s kingdom, where the value of one’s work is not measured solely by quantity but by quality and motive.

The Risk of Forfeiture and Partial Loss

Jesus’ warning to His disciples serves as a caution against the spiritual danger of self-complacency. The disciples had just heard of the rewards promised to those who sacrificed for the kingdom, but Jesus did not want them to assume that these rewards were automatic or guaranteed based on external actions alone. The phrase “many who are first will be last, and the last first” suggests that there is a danger of losing or diminishing the reward through the indulgence of unworthy motives or self-righteousness.

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard

To illustrate this principle, Jesus told the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, which is recorded only in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 20:1-16). This parable has been the subject of much debate and interpretation, but its central message revolves around the concept that God’s judgment and rewards are not based solely on human calculations of merit. The parable teaches that in the divine economy, the spirit in which the work is done is of utmost importance.

The story describes a landowner who hires laborers at different times throughout the day to work in his vineyard. At the end of the day, he pays them all the same wage, regardless of how many hours they worked. Naturally, those who worked the longest expected to receive more, and when they did not, they grumbled against the landowner. The landowner responded by reminding them that they had agreed to work for the wage they received and that he had the right to be generous with his money.

This parable underscores the idea that God’s rewards are not distributed based on the quantity of work alone but are influenced by the quality and motive behind the work. Those who worked only one hour but did so with a generous and humble spirit were considered worthy of the same reward as those who labored all day but did so with a calculating and self-righteous attitude.

The Divine Economy of Work and Reward

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard is one of three parables in the Gospels that address the subject of work and wages in God’s kingdom. The other two parables are the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and the parable of the pounds (Luke 19:11-27). Each of these parables emphasizes different aspects of the relationship between work and reward.

In the parable of the talents, the amount of work done varies according to the ability given to each servant, but the reward is the same for those who faithfully use their talents. In contrast, in the parable of the pounds, the amount of work varies while the initial ability (one pound) is the same for all servants, leading to different rewards based on the results. These two parables highlight the importance of both zeal and faithfulness in using the gifts and opportunities God provides.

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard, however, introduces the concept of motive and attitude as critical factors in determining the value of one’s work. The landowner’s decision to pay all the laborers equally, regardless of the time spent working, challenges the common human expectation that more work should automatically result in a greater reward. Instead, it suggests that God values the heart and the willingness to serve without calculation more than the mere quantity of labor.

The Dangers of Self-Righteousness and Spiritual Pride

The parable also serves as a warning against the dangers of self-righteousness and spiritual pride, which can lead to a loss of reward. The laborers who worked all day grumbled because they believed they deserved more than those who worked only an hour. Their attitude reveals a sense of entitlement and self-righteousness, as they compared themselves to others and measured their worth by the amount of work they had done.

This attitude is contrasted with the humility and trust of the laborers who were hired last. These laborers did not negotiate for a specific wage but trusted the landowner to treat them fairly. Their humility and willingness to serve without calculation are commended in the parable, while the grumbling of the first laborers is rebuked.

The danger of self-righteousness is a common theme in Jesus’ teachings. The Pharisees, who were often first in terms of outward piety and religious observance, were warned that their self-righteousness could lead to their being last in the kingdom of God. Jesus consistently taught that the humble, the repentant, and those who served others without seeking recognition would be exalted, while the proud and self-righteous would be humbled.

The Risk of Degeneration in Service

Jesus’ warning that “many who are first will be last” also speaks to the risk of degeneration in service. This can occur when self-denial and sacrifice become a source of pride or when acts of service are performed for the wrong reasons. Three specific situations illustrate this danger:

When Self-Denial is Occasional: Christians are at risk of falling into self-righteousness when their acts of self-denial are occasional rather than habitual. When believers make sacrifices at certain times but not as a consistent part of their lives, they may become proud of these isolated acts and fall into a self-complacent attitude.
When Sacrifice is Highly Esteemed: When a particular form of service, such as martyrdom or asceticism, is highly esteemed within the religious community, there is a danger that those who engage in such acts will be tempted to view themselves as superior to others. The early church, for example, held martyrs and confessors in high regard, but this admiration sometimes led to spiritual pride and a sense of entitlement among those who suffered for the faith.
When Self-Denial is Ascetic: The practice of asceticism, where individuals impose severe discipline and self-denial upon themselves, can also lead to spiritual pride. While ascetic practices may appear outwardly pious, they can become a means of asserting one’s own righteousness rather than a genuine expression of devotion to God. True Christian self-denial is not about accumulating merit but about serving Christ and others with humility and love.

The Importance of Humility and Trust

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard emphasizes the importance of humility and trust in the Christian life. The laborers who were hired last did not demand a specific wage or compare themselves to others; they simply trusted the landowner to treat them fairly. This attitude of trust and humility is essential for those who seek to serve in God’s kingdom.

Humility is a key virtue in the Christian life because it reflects a proper understanding of one’s own unworthiness and a reliance on God’s grace. Those who are humble recognize that they are not entitled to anything from God and that all they receive is a gift of His grace. This humility prevents the development of spiritual pride and self-righteousness, which can lead to a loss of reward.

Trust is also essential because it reflects a confidence in God’s goodness and fairness. The laborers who trusted the landowner were rewarded generously, while those who tried to secure their own advantage through negotiation ended up grumbling and dissatisfied. Trust in God’s character allows believers to serve without anxiety or calculation, knowing that He will reward them according to His perfect wisdom and grace.

The Divine Principle of Reversal

The principle that “the first will be last, and the last first” is a recurring theme in Jesus’ teachings, highlighting the divine principle of reversal in the kingdom of God. This principle runs counter to the values of the world, where the first are often those who are the most powerful, successful, or accomplished. In God’s kingdom, however, the last—those who are humble, poor in spirit, and willing to serve without seeking recognition—are often the first in His eyes.

This principle is evident in many of Jesus’ parables and teachings. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14) illustrates how the one who exalts himself will be humbled, while the one who humbles himself will be exalted. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) also reflect this principle, as Jesus pronounces blessings on those who are poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

The divine principle of reversal challenges believers to adopt a different perspective on success, greatness, and reward. In the kingdom of God, true greatness is found in humility, service, and self-sacrifice, not in outward achievements or recognition.

The Reward for Faithfulness

While the parable of the laborers in the vineyard emphasizes the importance of motive and attitude, it does not negate the principle that faithfulness in service will be rewarded. Jesus’ statement that “many who are first will be last” is not a universal condemnation of those who work diligently and serve faithfully. Rather, it is a warning against the dangers of pride, self-righteousness, and a calculating spirit.

Those who serve God faithfully, with humility and love, can be assured that their labor is not in vain. The apostle Paul encourages believers with the words, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, UASV). The reward for faithful service may not always be immediate or visible, but it is certain.

Faithfulness in service is about more than just the quantity of work performed; it is about the quality of that service and the heart behind it. Jesus commended the faithful servant in the parable of the talents, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23, UASV). This commendation reflects the joy that comes from serving God with a pure heart and a willing spirit.

The Hope of Future Glory

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard also points to the hope of future glory for those who remain faithful to God. While the parable emphasizes the need for humility and trust in this life, it also suggests that there is a future reward for those who serve God faithfully. The landowner’s generosity in paying the laborers more than they deserved is a picture of God’s grace, which will be fully realized in the life to come.

The apostle Peter, who once asked Jesus, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” (Matthew 19:27, UASV), later encouraged believers to look forward to the “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4, UASV). This inheritance is the ultimate reward for those who follow Christ, and it far surpasses anything we could ever achieve or deserve in this life.

The hope of future glory motivates believers to persevere in faith and service, even when the rewards are not immediately apparent. It also encourages humility, as believers recognize that their ultimate reward is a gift of God’s grace, not something they have earned through their own efforts.

Conclusion: The Eternal Perspective

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard and Jesus’ teaching that “the first will be last, and the last first” challenges believers to adopt an eternal perspective on service, reward, and greatness in the kingdom of God. In this world, success and recognition are often measured by outward achievements and accolades. However, in God’s kingdom, the true measure of greatness is found in humility, faithfulness, and a heart that is fully devoted to Him.

Believers are called to serve God with a pure heart, trusting in His goodness and grace, and avoiding the pitfalls of pride, self-righteousness, and a calculating spirit. While the rewards for such service may not always be visible in this life, they are certain in the life to come. The hope of future glory, the promise of eternal life, and the assurance of God’s grace should motivate every believer to labor faithfully in the vineyard of the Lord, knowing that their work is not in vain.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).