S4E12: The Parable of the Vineyard Laborers

In this episode we discuss the parable of the vineyard laborers from Matthew 20:1-16. Following the story of the rich young ruler and the disciples’ inheritance of the twelve thrones in the age to come (19:16-30), this parable highlights the “payment of wages” (20:8) and God’s generosity toward Israel’s marginal (i.e. the disciples). Thus, both sections conclude with the apocalyptic, two-age saying, “the first [in this age] will be last [in the age to come]” (19:30; 20:16). 

Show notes

• The historical, apocalyptic context of the parable (5:42)
• The well-known elements of the parable - Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 12:10 (8:54)
• The payment of wages and heightened apocalyptic expectation - Luke 19 (10:01)
• The first, last, and the parallels in context - Matthew 20:16, 27 (22:57)
• Modern approaches to the parable (28:35)