Seminary
Matthew 20:1–16

Matthew 20:1–16

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard

Men and women working in a vineyard picking grapes. Outtakes include the Lord of the vineyard, hiring workers to work in the vineyard, people picking grapes, being paid for their labors and also some pictures of the surrounding countryside/landscape and people working on the film

Peter asked, “We have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (Matthew 19:27). The Savior replied by giving the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. This parable teaches that all who choose to dedicate their lives to Him will receive the promised reward, regardless of when they may have begun to walk the covenant path. This lesson can help you feel hope that you will receive the blessings that Jesus Christ offers through His Atonement.

Imagine the following scenario:

Marisol recently joined the Church, along with her mother and grandparents. Not long after, her grandfather passed away. Marisol wonders if her grandfather will receive the same blessings that she will, even though he accepted the gospel so much later in life.

  • What would you say to Marisol?

The Savior taught His Apostles a parable that demonstrates His concern for all who choose to follow Him. Throughout this lesson, seek the inspiration of the Holy Ghost as you look for truths that will help you better understand the Savior’s desires for us.

The laborers in the vineyard

As you study this parable, it is helpful to know that a normal workday in New Testament times was likely about 12 hours, starting early in the morning and finishing in the evening. The word penny in these verses refers to a denarius, the Roman coin typically used to pay a laborer for a full day of work.

Read Matthew 20:1–7, looking for how the lord of the vineyard hired laborers. You may want to watch the video “Laborers in the Vineyard” from time code 0:00 to 1:33, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

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Laborers in the Vineyard

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

Official Portrait of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Photographed January 2018.

In the time of the Savior, an average man and his family could not do much more than live on what they made that day. If you didn’t work or farm or fish or sell, you likely didn’t eat.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 31)

  • Whom do you think the lord of the vineyard and the laborers represent?

  • What do you think it would have felt like to be one of the first laborers hired for the day?

  • What thoughts and feelings do you think the laborers waiting to be hired had as the day went on?

Read Matthew 20:8–16, looking for how the day ended for all the laborers. You may want to watch the video “Laborers in the Vineyard” from time code 1:34 to 3:00, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

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Laborers in the Vineyard

It may be helpful to know that being hired by the lord of the vineyard in this parable can symbolize entering into a covenant with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The pay can symbolize the blessings of eternal life.

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 1. Answer at least two of the following questions in your study journal:

  • How would you feel toward the lord of the vineyard if you were one of the first hired? one of the last?

  • In what ways did the lord of the vineyard demonstrate love and concern for all of the laborers?

  • When you understand that the lord of the vineyard could represent Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ, what divine attributes do you see in him?

  • What lessons can you learn from this parable?

The Lord’s mercy

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared important truths we can learn about the Lord from this parable. You may want to watch the video “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 10:02 to 11:42 or read the following text.

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The Laborers in the Vineyard

Official Portrait of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Photographed January 2018.

This parable—like all parables—is not really about laborers or wages any more than the others are about sheep and goats. This is a story about God’s goodness, His patience and forgiveness, and the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a story about generosity and compassion. It is a story about grace. It underscores the thought I heard many years ago that surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it.

I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 32–33)

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 2. Answer at least two of the following questions in your study journal:

  • Think about what Elder Holland taught that you already know is true about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. How did you come to know it is true?

  • What additional thoughts or feelings do you have about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because of what you learned today?

  • How can what you have learned influence your daily life?

Optional: Want to Learn More?

What is the purpose of laboring in the Lord’s vineyard?

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

Official Portrait of President Dallin H. Oaks taken March 2018.

The Master’s reward in the Final Judgment will not be based on how long we have labored in the vineyard. We do not obtain our heavenly reward by punching a time clock. What is essential is that our labors in the workplace of the Lord have caused us to become something. For some of us, this requires a longer time than for others. What is important in the end is what we have become by our labors.

(Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 34)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Official Portrait of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Photographed January 2018.

I testify of the renewing power of God’s love and the miracle of His grace. His concern is for the faith at which you finally arrive, not the hour of the day in which you got there.

So if you have made covenants, keep them. If you haven’t made them, make them. If you have made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is never too late so long as the Master of the vineyard says there is time. … Don’t delay. It’s getting late.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 33)