Matthew 20:8-12 (KJV)

So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, 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, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

This is not an easy parable to understand, and we can see why those who worked all day were upset; however, there is an important lesson in the spiritual application of this parable. It teaches that our relationship with God is not based on good works but on his grace and generosity. Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast”. And let’s not leave out the next line, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” 