In the parable of the laborers, those who hardly worked at all are elevated to a position of equality with those who worked all day. All are paid the same. Beneath the surface lies a spiritual meaning. As important as it is to work hard, we are saved by the grace of God alone. We haven’t contributed the smallest bit to our salvation, no matter how much, or how little we have worked in God’s Kingdom. “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Jesus accomplished everything needful for our salvation by going to the cross for us. His resurrection shows that God accepted his sacrifice for our sins. The Father said of his Son, “My righteous servant shall justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
In the parable, those who hardly worked at all represent the thief on the cross, and the woman caught in the very act of adultery. They really haven’t done much in God’s Kingdom. In fact, they have hindered it. Yet, they repented and believed. They are elevated to a position of equality with those who have devoted their entire lives to God. The latecomers are saved because they too, are saved by the grace of God alone.
When it comes to salvation, the world’s standards of fairness must be completely discarded. Jesus says “the last shall be first.” These are those who have finally given up on their own righteousness and believe in Christ alone for salvation. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
- Pastor Wyatt Rosebrock