Sunday 20 September 2026

Psalm 145:1-8

Background
This passage is an important parable by Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, coming in the fifth and final block of his teaching, on the way to Jerusalem for the final events leading to his death and resurrection. It probably took place in the region of Jericho, in what is now known as the West Bank. The area has been renowned for making wine since the Bronze Age, so Jesus’ story picks up on the local industry. 

It is a controversial story, which even now provokes cries of injustice, especially because it concerns money and pay. Jesus builds the story up with dialogue and characters, in his typical style. The working day lasted from around 6am until 6pm, the hours of daylight. Jesus describes a vineyard-owner going out to the market place, where men who were available (and usually desperate) for work would present themselves each day, hoping to be employed. The owner goes out at first light and finds the ‘early birds’ keen to catch a full day’s work. He agrees to pay the standard labourer’s wage for a day’s work: a Roman denarius coin. Finding that he needs more help as the day goes on, the owner goes again hiring workers at roughly three-hour intervals until the 11th hour, when still he finds men who are unemployed and he puts them to work. When the manager gives out the wages, the ones who worked only one hour are given the same (a denarius) as the ones who worked three hours, six hours, nine hours or a full 12-hour day. And yet, those hired first, still got what they agreed to work for.

Jesus tells of their grumbles and complaint against the vineyard-owner: “It’s not fair that they should get the same as us!”  But the owner is quick to make the point: it’s his money and his right to do with what he wants. Those workers got the agreed wage, the rest got grace!  

Perhaps the owner knew that all the workers needed money to live on; all would have families to feed; and all the money given to the workers would be invested back into the local economy. Wages and benefits are not just about giving people what they deserve, they are about sustaining an economy that works for all. But behind these interesting thoughts (and we could use this as a starting point for a discussion about a fair living wage, or even about how we treat refugees and asylum seekers) there is an even greater message about God’s love, salvation and grace.

The point is made right at the start: this is what the kingdom of heaven is like! This is how it works in God’s kingdom. Some are with God all their lives and serve God tirelessly; while others come at the last minute and receive mercy. Yet none are perfect, and all are welcomed by God’s grace alone. We can quibble about who should have earned a greater reward but, if we do, haven’t we surely missed the point?

To Ponder:

• In his letter to the Romans, Paul describes the natural course of wayward earthly lives, and how Jesus’ grace alone has rescued us and given us what we could never earn ourselves: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)  In the light of the parable, what do you make of this verse?
• Have you ever feel jealous or envious when someone else was given an extremely generous gift? How did you work through your feelings?
• Do you have the opportunity to be generous to someone today? What a difference do you think it would make to their lives? Can you find the courage to do it?

Bible notes author: The Revd Andrew Murphy
Andrew is a Methodist presbyter in the East Mercia Circuit, and currently the minister of the churches of Market Harborough, Kibworth and Rothwell, and part of the ministry team at St Giles, Desborough. He is married to Emily, with two children. He has been in the ministry for 18 years, previously serving in the Hinckley Circuit. He trained at the Wesley Study Centre in Durham, is a published hymn writer, supports Newcastle United FC, and is proud of his roots in Consett, County Durham.