Lessons from the Use of Parables
The use of parables is one of the most unique ways that differentiated Jesus from other teachers. A person had to take their time to intentionally understand what the parables meant if they wanted to get the lesson. This intentionality is key when it comes to learning from the Lord.
One of the things that the parables do is to separate those who were truly seeking the Lord God from those who were following him because of the things that Jesus did. While the Lord had many followers, He only had a few disciples. The disciples were closest to him, were curious to learn from him and were always awe struck at his power and majesty. They are the ones who see him calm storms and raise the dead. They are also the ones who get to understand and have great faith in Him because they get to know deep in their hearts that this is the Messiah. Even with the parables, the disciples got to understand the meaning and when they did not, they asked Jesus directly so that they could understand.
And as believers, this is the call we have: we are to be disciples of Christ, not just followers. It is deeper and a bigger mandate – Making disciples. See the command:
Matthew 28:19-20 RSV – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT – Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Even today, large crowds and “congregations” are following Jesus but few are coming really to be his disciples. Few are coming to be like Him and to obey Him as their Lord and master. Few are coming with a clear understanding that beginning a relationship with Jesus is not just a “relationship” like any other. It is a relationship characterized by submission and obedience to Him, doing everything He has commanded us to do in His word.
(Lord Jesus, may you help me to be truly submitted to you, sincere in my worship and obedient to your commands. Forgive me and help me not to compromise on any of your commands and directions. Let me be ready to do what you say because therein is life. Amen)
V1-16
(The Parable of the Vineyard Workers)
In this parable, the workers come in to work in the fields at different times. Some work more than others but at the end of the day, two unique things happen. The first is that the workers who came in last are paid first while the ones who started working first are paid last. The second thing is that everyone is paid the exact same wages. The kindness of the master is what makes him pay them all the same rate.
We also have to note the reason why they came in at different times. It’s not that these workers were doing something else and so were available to work late. The reason why they were not working is because no one had hired them. If someone had hired them, they would have worked the full day just like those who were hired in the morning.
This parable is talking about eternal life.
Here are some lessons:
- The landowner’s decision to pay all workers the same represents God’s abundant grace and mercy upon us all.
- We also learn that Salvation is not earned through self-righteous works but is a result of God’s mercy. The amount of work that the first workers did was not what the landowner used to measure how He paid them. He pays out of his mercy. You do not earn salvation, it is a gift from God. No amount of work you do can qualify you to enter. In fact, the only common thing is that all these workers ACCEPTED the invitation to work for the landowner. And after they all came in, they worked according to the time they had remaining. None of those who was hired refused to work. And so that’s what the landowner looks at.
- Rather than complaining when others get eternal life, we should all rejoice that they accept the redemption given by the Lord, even if they do this at their death bed. On the cross, the thief got salvation just like the way the Apostles who would later work much more than him did.
- While there may be varying rewards in heaven, all believers will share equally in the reward of eternal life.
V17-19 – Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him and He tells his disciples so that they can clearly know the future. This part clearly shows that Jesus is not forced, He willingly gives his life for us. He lay down his life for you and me.
John 10:18 NLT: No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
1 John 3:16 NLT: We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
John 10:11 NLT: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.
The theme of his mercy and love for us continues on. The Lord willingly gives his life for all of us, because He loves. John 3:16 – starts with “For God so LOVED the world…” Love led him to give his life for us.
And He does this so that we can be like Him. He has become the firstborn among many.
Romans 8:29 Living Bible – For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him—and all along he knew who would—should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers.
I John 4:17 NLT – And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.