Mateus 20:1-2

Jesus introduced this parable as He did the other kingdom parables in chapter 13 (cf. Matthew 13:24; Matthew 13:31; Matthew 13:33, et al.). This is how conditions will be in the messianic kingdom. One denarius was the normal day’s wage for a day laborer in Jesus’ day (cf. Matthew 18:28). [Note: Edersheim, The Life . . ., 2:417.] The vineyard is a common figure for Israel in the Old Testament (Isaiah 3:14; Isaiah 5:1-2; Jeremiah 12:10; et al.).