God, the householder of the parable, graciously and generously offered the laborers the opportunity to work in His vineyard – a privilege offered out of the goodness of His heart. (Matthew 9:37,38; 1 Corinthians 6:1,2) For this work, He granted a very generous wage, beyond anything man could ever have expected. (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 20:6; 3:21) The same reward goes to all who are faithful (Matthew 19:28,29; 1 Peter1:3,4; Colossians 3:24).
Each laborer freely chose to accept the work for a wage. God did not command or coerce them. If He had not offered work, they would have had nothing. The workers are those who answer God’s call, His invitation to follow Christ during this Gospel Age (Romans 12:1,2). He is gathering these individuals who fully appreciate God’s love, grace, generosity, wisdom, power and justice (John 3:16, Psalm 136:26; Isaiah 55:8). They must exercise self-denial and sacrifice to faithfully follow Christ (Ephesians 4:1-4; Colossians 1:10). Laboring for God offers not only a huge reward if faithful (Revelation 2:10, Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29) but daily blessings, joy in the Lord, His favor and nearness to Him (Psalms 84:11; 65:4, Proverbs 3:1-4). John 4:36 informs us that “already he that reaped, received wages and gathered fruit unto life eternal…rejoice…”
God is in charge. He is omnipotent (Malachi 3:6), just (Psalm 89:14) and true/fair (Hebrews 6:10, Psalms 25:8-10). His standards and expectations do not change (James 1:17). Those invited to follow the Master must exercise complete faith and trust that whatever He decides is best (Proverbs 3:5). The different experiences that His followers and laborers are given yield daily rewards now or are tests for these justified ones (2 Corinthians 9:10, Ephesians 3:20).
Romans 9:20 reinforces that God’s followers are not in the position to question His motives or complain about the experiences received along the way. “Who are you oh man, to answer back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, ‘“Why did you make me this way?’ Will it? Or does the potter have a right over the clay to make from the same lump, one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?” (Isaiah 45:9,10). Numbers 23:19 addresses the repercussions of questioning God’s intentions and complaining about His integrity.
God as the Master was never obligated to offer work or pay to anyone. He offered it out of loving kindness and the workers must appreciate whatever they receive, not comparing their efforts or rewards with others. 1 Corinthians 4:7 – “For who makes thee to differ and what do you have that you did not receive?” As 1 Corinthians 12:18 reminds us: “God sets the members as it pleases Him”.
So, why did the Owner of the vineyard, God, pay each the same amount? He answers – first that to do so was lawful, it was His money; second that He is generous (Matthew 20:15). What a generous God we serve!