Gideon |
Chapter 26 |
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09-09-12 (Mat 20:1-7) For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [Jesus Christ] that is an householder [Gk: the head of a family: goodman of the house], which went out early in the morning [about 6:00 am] to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed [covenanted] with the labourers for a penny a day [a day’s wages], he sent them into his vineyard [His holy place]. And he went out about the third hour [9:00 am], and saw others standing idle [Gk: inactive, i.e. unemployed; (by impl.) lazy, useless: barren] in the marketplace [of the world], And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth [noon] and ninth hour [3:00 pm], and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour [5:00 pm] he went out, and found others standing idle [i.e., going no place], and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. 1. Commentary: Vineyards represent the kingdom of heaven. Vineyards are churches. There is work to do in the kingdom of heaven. Grapes on the vine represent God’s saved people attached to and growing on the living vine of Jesus Christ (John 15:1). The laborers represent unsaved persons because they are hired hirelings working their way to heaven rather than volunteers, and are neither growing on nor attached to the vine. Grapes are primarily composed of water. Water is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and water is also a symbol of the Word of God. Grape juice ferments into wine which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (John 2:1-11). Wine also represents the revelations derived from the water of the Word of God. Water represents the logos Word of God, the seed (Luke 8:11). Wine is the rhema Word = the fruits (revelations) that are derived from the Word of God. a. dove = Heb: a dove (appar. from the warmth of their mating): pigeon /// to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by impl. intoxication:--banqueting, wine, wine [-bibber]. 2. right = Gk: equitable (in character or act); by impl. innocent, holy: just, meet, righteous.
(Mat 20:8-12) So when even [6:00 pm] was come, the lord [Gk: kurios; supreme in authority] of the vineyard saith unto his steward [senior pastor], Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour [5:00 pm], they received every man a penny [the good news of salvation (these are “good ground” people)]. But when the first came [who went to work in the vineyard at 6:00 am], they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny [they received the good news, but they did not understand it, These are “by the way side; stony ground, among thorns” people]. And when they had received it, they murmured [Gk: grumbled (complained)] against the goodman of the house [i.e., Jesus Christ] [a clear indicator of unsavedness], Saying, These last have wrought [Gk: worked] but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us [upon salvation, everyone receives the same amount of the Holy Spirit, “the earnest” of the Spirit (2 Cor 1:22; 5:5; Eph 1:13,14)], which have borne the burden and heat of the day. 1. Commentary: The Old Testament persons who worked first but were paid last were evaluating their work by “sight,” and esteeemed their work of much more value than that of those who worked a shorter time and were paid first. (Who esteemed their work of much more value)? They were looking at all things through their secular physical eyes, because their spiritual eyes remained closed. 2. Commentary: Do you work in God’s vineyard? Are you concerned about how much money you are earning, and perhaps think it unjust that others may be earning more?
(Mat 20:13-16) But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way [versus “and go my way,” or “and follow me”]: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. 1. (Mat 9:13) But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but [to call] sinners to repentance. 2. (Mat 22:11-14) And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment [the sin covering blood of Jesus Christ]: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen. 3. (Mat 26:47-50) And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Amen
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