ARE YOU BEGRUDGING MY GENEROSITY Mathew 20:11-15? “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” — Matthew 20:16
“Matthew 20:1–16a Explained – The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, God’s Grace, and Fairness”
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard…” — Matthew 20:1
This parable, spoken by Jesus Christ, illustrates the generosity of God, the meaning of grace, and the principle that heavenly rewards are based on faithfulness, not human effort.
In this article, we’ll break down its meaning, provide relevant illustrations, and reflect on how it applies to our daily Christian life.
1. The Story of the Workers in the Vineyard
In Matthew 20:1–7, Jesus tells the story of a landowner who hires workers at different hours of the day — early morning, 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and even 5 p.m. Surprisingly, at the end of the day, he pays everyone the same wage.
Matthew 20:11–15 (NIV): Begrudging and generosity
> “When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.
> ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
> But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?
> Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you.
> Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money?
> Or are you envious because I am generous?’”
This final question — “Are you envious because I am generous?” — is the heart of the teaching.
A. The Problem of Comparing Blessings
The workers who were hired early felt cheated when they saw latecomers receiving the same reward. However, the landowner reminded them:
* They agreed to their pay.
* His generosity to others doesn’t reduce what they received.
This illustrates a major spiritual truth: God’s grace is not limited or diminished when He blesses others.
Cross-reference:
> “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15
Instead of envying someone else's blessings, God calls us to celebrate His goodness in their lives.
B. God’s Grace Cannot Be Earned
The early workers believed they deserved more because they worked longer. But the parable shows that heavenly rewards are not based on merit, but God’s generosity.
> “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8
If salvation were based on effort or seniority, we would compete instead of rejoice when others receive grace.
God wants us to understand that His blessings are gifts, not wages.
C. Envy Blocks Gratitude
The phrase “Are you envious because I am generous?” teaches us a powerful life principle:
* Envy blinds us to what we already have
* It leads us to complain rather than thank God.
The early workers forgot to be grateful for their fair wage because they were busy comparing themselves to others.
Cross-reference:
> “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
If salvation were based on effort or seniority, we would compete instead of rejoice when others receive grace.
God wants us to understand that His blessings are gifts, not wages.
C. Envy Blocks Gratitude
The phrase “Are you envious because I am generous?” teaches us a powerful life principle:
* Envy blinds us to what we already have
* It leads us to complain rather than thank God.
The early workers forgot to be grateful for their fair wage because they were busy comparing themselves to others.
Cross-reference:
> “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
— Proverbs 14:30
Envy destroys joy. Gratitude restores it.
D. The Kingdom of God Operates Differently
The parable reflects God’s way of dealing with people:
* Some come to Christ early in life.
Envy destroys joy. Gratitude restores it.
D. The Kingdom of God Operates Differently
The parable reflects God’s way of dealing with people:
* Some come to Christ early in life.
* Others repent on their deathbed.
* Yet both receive eternal life — not because of effort, but because of God’s mercy.
Remember the thief on the cross (Luke 23:42–43):
> “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
He had no time to “earn” heaven, but Jesus gave it freely.
E. Practical Lessons for Today
- Stop Comparing: God’s blessings for others do not reduce yours.
- Celebrate God’s Generosity: When God blesses someone, praise Him instead of grumbling.
- Trust God’s Fairness: He knows what you need, when you need it, and His timing is perfect.
> “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” — James 1:17
Begrudging God’s generosity shows we misunderstand His grace. Instead of competing for rewards, we are called to rejoice in God’s blessings — both in our lives and in the lives of others.
“Are You Envious Because I Am Generous?” — Understanding God’s Grace in Matthew 20:15
> “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” — Matthew 20:16
Key Lessons Here:
* God calls people to serve Him at different times in life — some early, some later — but His reward is eternal life for all who follow Him.
* Entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is not based on how long you’ve served God but on His grace.
* God’s generosity cannot be compared to human fairness.
Illustration:
Imagine two Christians:
* One serves God from childhood until old age.
* Another repents and believes in Christ just months before death.
Both will receive eternal life because salvation is not about how long you worked, but Whom you trusted.
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| Jesus teaching a group of vineyard workers in biblical robes, a vineyard in the background, the landowner handing equal wages to workers hired at different hours. |
2. God’s Grace Is Not Earned but Given Freely
The parable teaches us that God’s kingdom operates on grace, not merit. Human logic says: “The harder you work, the more you deserve.” But Jesus flips this idea:
> “For by grace you have been saved through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
Practical Lesson:
Some people think they must “earn” God’s favor by:
* Doing good works
* Paying tithes
* Fasting more
* Serving in the church
While these acts are good, they do not buy salvation. Eternal life is a gift from God, given through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Illustration:
A rich businessman who donates millions to the church cannot buy heaven. A humble believer who simply trusts Jesus and lives faithfully receives the same eternal reward.
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| “Jesus explaining God’s grace to His disciples under a tree, people of different backgrounds sitting around Him, showing deep understanding” |
3. “The Last Shall Be First” — Kingdom Reversal
Jesus concludes this parable with a powerful statement:
> “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” — Matthew 20:16
This challenges our earthly ideas of success, status, and reward. In the world, the “first” are often:
* The rich
* The powerful
* The influential
But in God’s kingdom, humility and faithfulness matter more than titles, fame, or achievements.
Story Illustration:
A thief on the cross beside Jesus (Luke 23:39–43) repented at the last moment. Despite having no years of service to God, Jesus told him:
“Today you will be with me in paradise.”
This shows us that God values repentance and faith over earthly accomplishments.
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| “Jesus comforting the repentant thief on the cross |
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4. How This Parable Applies to Us Today
This teaching impacts us in three ways:
- Avoid envy → Don’t compare your spiritual journey to others.
- Be grateful → Thank God daily for His grace.
- Trust God’s timing→ Some people are called early, some late, but God rewards everyone who believes.
TODAY’S SAINT: ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX (August 20)
> *“I believe though I do not comprehend, and I hold by faith what I cannot grasp with the mind.”*St. Bernard reminds us that faith goes beyond understanding. Like the workers in the vineyard, we must trust God’s generosity, even when we don’t fully comprehend His plans.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
> “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.”
— John 15:5
Reflection & Prayer Points:
Prayer:
Teach us, good Lord, to serve You as You deserve; to give and not count the cost, to fight and not heed the wounds, to toil and not seek rest, to labor and not ask for reward, except knowing that we do Your will. Amen.
Reflection & Prayer Points:
- Pray for the grace to trust God’s timing and generosity.
- Pray for faith and courage during trials.
- Pray for all believers passing through difficult seasons.
Prayer:
Teach us, good Lord, to serve You as You deserve; to give and not count the cost, to fight and not heed the wounds, to toil and not seek rest, to labor and not ask for reward, except knowing that we do Your will. Amen.
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