Matthew 20:16 meaning
In this powerful teaching, Jesus uses the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard to illustrate how the kingdom of heaven operates differently from human expectations. Here, we see that those hired at different times throughout the day receive the same reward, emphasizing that God's grace does not operate on a strict merit-based system. Instead, it reveals that God's generosity often surprises our sense of fairness. The phrase that concludes this parable, stating that the last will be first and the first last, encapsulates a significant truth about status in God's kingdom.
Many interpret this saying as a call to recognize that earthly achievements and social standings do not guarantee honor in the kingdom of heaven. In fact, the prideful and those who believe they merit higher rewards by their long service might find themselves ranked lower, while those who respond later to God's call may be exalted. This teaches us that the heart's attitude—whether it is humble and trusting in God's grace—is much more important than the quantity of works we pile up. Essentially, entry and rewards in the kingdom rest fully on God's sovereign grace and judgment, reminding believers that faithfulness and a loving attitude trump pure labor.
So the last shall be first, and the first last; for many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 20:16).
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 20:8-16 meaning. Jesus finishes the second half of the parable of the Vineyard laborers. He describes how the landowner generously pays the late arriving workers a denarius, but when he pays the agreed upon denarius to the full-day workers, they are envious and bitter. Jesus reminds the disciples that the last shall be first and the first shall be last.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 20:8-16 meaning. Jesus finishes the second half of the parable of the Vineyard laborers. He describes how the landowner generously pays the late arriving workers a denarius, but when he pays the agreed upon denarius to the full-day workers, they are envious and bitter. Jesus reminds the disciples that the last shall be first and the first shall be last.
- Matthew 20:1-7 meaning. Jesus tells the first half of the parable of the Vineyard laborers. He describes how the landowner continually goes out throughout the day to hire workers to help harvest. This is a parable about the kingdom of heaven that shows His disciples that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. This parable makes it clear that it is never too late to begin living faithfully. God will give great rewards to some people who come to understanding much later in life.
- Matthew 20:24-28 meaning. The disciples become upset and embittered at James and John for getting their mother to ask Jesus to give them what they wanted for themselves. Jesus takes this occasion to remind all His disciples that greatness in His kingdom is not lording it over others. It is serving them as the Messiah came to serve — even unto death.