The Great Discourse

Discourse Home Page


VIII. Equality Under the Atonement

Matthew 20:1 - For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers to work in his vineyard.

Matthew 20:2 - And when he had agreed with the labourers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Matthew 20:3 - And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

Matthew 20:4 - And said to them; Go also into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you. And they went.

Matthew 20:5 - Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

Matthew 20:6 - And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing, and said to them, Why are you standing here idle all the day?

Matthew 20:7 - They said to him, Because no man has hired us. He said to them, Go also into the vineyard.

Matthew 20:8 - So when evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.

Matthew 20:9 - And when those who were hired about the eleventh hour came, every man received a denarius.

Matthew 20:10 - But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; but each of them likewise received a denarius.

Matthew 20:11 - And when they had received it, they grumbled against the landowner,

Matthew 20:12 - Saying, These last have worked but one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden and heat of the day.

Matthew 20:13 - But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do you no wrong: did you not agree with me for a denarius?

Matthew 20:14 - Take what is yours, and go your way: I wish to give to this last man, just as to you.

Matthew 20:15 - Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Is your eye envious, because I am good?