Verses 1-16
The parable of the workers in the vineyard 20:1-16
This parable explains why the last will become first. It begins with a well-known scene but then introduces surprising elements to make a powerful point.
"Jesus deliberately and cleverly led the listeners along by degrees until they understood that if God’s generosity was to be represented by a man, such a man would be different from any man ever encountered." [Note: Norman A. Huffman, "Atypical Features in the Parables of Jesus," Journal of Biblical Literature 97 (1978):209.]
"Any union leader worth their salt would protest at such employment practices. Anyone who took this parable as a practical basis for employment would soon be out of business." [Note: France, The Gospel . . ., p. 748.]
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