For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
This parable, recorded only by Matthew, is closely connected with the end of Matthew 19:1-30, being spoken with reference to Peter's question, How it should fare with those who, like himself, had left all for Christ? It is desired to show that while they would be richly rewarded, a certain equity would still be observed toward later converts and workmen in His service.
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. The figure of a Vineyard, to represent the rearing of souls for heaven, the culture required and provided for that purpose, and the care and pains which God takes in that whole matter, is familiar to every reader of the Bible (Psalms 80:8-16; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:21; Luke 20:9-16; John 15:1-8.) At vintage-time, as Webster and Wilkinson remark, labour was scarce, and masters were obliged to be early in the market to secure it. Perhaps the pressing nature of the work of the Gospel, and the comparative paucity of labourers, may be incidentally suggested, Matthew 9:37-38. The "labourers," as in Matthew 9:38, are first, the official servants of the Church, but after them and along with them all the servants of Christ, where he has laid under the weightiest obligation to work in His service.