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Explanation for:
Matthew
20
:
16
So shall the last be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.
9
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"To understand that our interpretation holds true, we find harmony between the introduction and conclusion of the parable: \\"So shall be,\\" says He, \\"the last first, and the first last.\\""},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What is the significance of this parable? The initial statement appears to contradict the conclusion, revealing an opposing truth. In this lesson, the Lord illustrates that all individuals receive equal rewards; He does not mention that some are excluded while others are included. Before and after this parable, He asserts the opposite: the last will be first, and the first will be last; meaning those who come last will surpass those who were initially first, who will ultimately be last. The true meaning of this teaching is further clarified by the appended phrase, “Many are called, but few are chosen,” which serves as both a rebuke to some and a comfort to others. Yet, the parable itself states that those who are last will be on par with those who have already gone through trials and put in considerable effort. It articulates this equality by mentioning that they were created equal to those who endured the day's burdens and struggles. So, what does this parable convey? We must first interpret its meaning to resolve any apparent contradictions. The grapes symbolize God's commandments, the work period represents our present life, and the workers refer to those called in various ways to fulfill His commandments; the morning, third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hours signify the different stages of life for those who came and were deemed worthy of their work. \\n\\nThe crux of the matter lies here: those who celebrated and sought to please God were first, yet they harbored strong feelings of malice, jealousy, and ill-will upon seeing that those who arrived later received the same reward. They expressed their displeasure, stating, “These last have worked only an hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have endured the heat of the day and the toil.” Thus, those who had not suffered any loss were indignant that others were benefiting, driven by envy and resentment. More importantly, the Householder, while defending his actions to the one who criticized him, rebukes him for his malice and envy, saying, “Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go; I choose to give to the last as much as I give to you. Is your eye evil because I am good?” \\n\\nSo, what lessons do such parables impart? Similar themes are observable in other parables as well. For instance, the good son exhibited the same mental turmoil when he perceived that his wayward brother received greater honors, even more than he. Just as the last workers in the vineyard were the first to receive their rewards, the prodigal son was overjoyed by an abundance of gifts, which the good son himself acknowledges. What can be concluded from this? In heaven, there are no disputes or complaints, nor could there be, as no place exists there for jealousy or ill-will. If the saints are willing to lay down their lives for sinners, when they see those sinners enjoying the good things prepared for them, they rejoice all the more and perceive it as their own joy. \\n\\nThus, why does the Lord present His teachings this way? It serves as a parable, and in parables, it is not imperative to interpret every aspect literally. Instead, one should understand the intended purpose of the teaching and apply it personally without seeking further justification. What is the objective of this parable, and what purpose does it serve? It aims to inspire the most fervent individuals—those who, in their later years, alter their lifestyles and strive for virtue—and to liberate them from the belief that they are lesser than others in the kingdom of heaven. This is why the Lord depicts others grieving over their possessions, not to imply that they are envious and tormented, but to assure latecomers that they too will be honored in a manner that may incite envy in others. We often say, “He condemns me for honoring you with such a recognition,” not because anyone truly accuses us or because we wish to malign another, but to highlight the greatness of another’s gift. \\n\\nBut why didn't He hire everyone at once? He made every effort to employ all, and the fact that not everyone accepted His invitation immediately depended on the will of those called. Therefore, He summoned some in the morning, others at the third hour, others at the sixth hour, others at the ninth hour, and even some at the eleventh hour, based on their readiness to respond to Him. Paul also clarifies this when he states, “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace” (Galatians 1:15). When was he favored? When he chose to respond. God desired this from the beginning, but because Paul was initially unwilling to heed His call, God chose to summon him only when Paul was prepared to listen. Likewise, He called the thief; He could have called him earlier, but he would not have listened then. If Paul was resistant initially, the thief would have been even less likely to respond. \\n\\nConcerning the laborers’ declaration, “No man has hired us,” I previously mentioned that not every detail in parables requires scrutiny. Here, it suffices to note that it is not the Householder speaking, but the workers. He does not chastise them to avoid sowing doubt but instead to draw them closer to Himself. It is evident from the parable that He sought to employ all at the first hour, as the narrative indicates that He went out early to hire workers. \\n\\nThus, we see that this parable is meant for both those in the prime of life and those who later embrace a virtuous existence. To the former, it serves as a warning against pride and a reminder not to reproach latecomers; to the latter, it assures that even in a brief time, great rewards can be attained. The Lord had earlier addressed fervent commitment, urging the abandonment of earthly possessions and worldly distractions, which requires great courage and youthful zeal. In doing so, He seeks to ignite a flame of love within His listeners and solidify their resolve, illustrating that latecomers to faith can also receive rewards as if they had toiled the entire day. He refrains from stating this outright to prevent puffing up their pride; rather, he emphasizes that all is contingent upon His grace, ensuring they will not be rejected but will instead receive honor alongside others, with inexpressible rewards. \\n\\nThis encapsulates the central theme of the parable. When He subsequently states, “So the last will be first, and the first, last; for many are called, but few are chosen,” take care not to be taken aback by this. He does not articulate it as a conclusion drawn from the parable but merely asserts that just as one truth has come to pass, so another shall follow. Here, the first are not diminished to last place; rather, all receive an equal reward that surpasses every expectation. Just as the last unexpectedly matched the first in honor, it shall be even more astonishing that the last may surpass the first, leaving the first behind. Therefore, the parable communicates one message, while the closing commentary offers another. It appears that He refers to the Jews and the faithful who, having once excelled in virtue but later succumbed to jealousy and vice, and to those who, having turned away from iniquity, excelled in virtue. Indeed, we observe such transformations occurring in both faith and conduct."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"What follows is indeed alarming. For many are invited, yet only a few are chosen; many profess their faith, but only a small number truly enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Look around us at this holy gathering; we have filled the Church’s walls, but who can truly say how many among us will be recognized as part of God’s chosen flock? Here, everyone proclaims ‘Christ,’ but does every life reflect that proclamation? Many may pay lip service to Christ, yet in their actions, they turn away from Him. Thus, Paul reminds us, \\"They profess to know God, but in their works they deny Him\\" (Titus 1:16). James also asserts, \\"Faith without works is dead\\" (James 2:20). As the psalmist declares: \\"Thou hast done many things, O Lord my God: Thy wonders and Thy thoughts toward us—who is like unto Thee!\\"—though I desire to speak and preach, they are beyond number (Psalm 89:6). \\n\\nAt the Lord’s call, the faithful multitude has grown, ensuring their presence will not fade, as some who are not truly elect also come to believe. In this life, they associate with the faithful through their profession, yet in the next, they will not be worthy to join the believers due to their sinful ways. The congregation of our sacred Church includes both ‘lambs’ and ‘goats,’ but the Gospel affirms that when the Judge appears, He will distinguish the righteous from the wicked, just as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. Hence, those who indulge in earthly pleasures will not find a place among the ‘sheep’ in the life to come. There, the Judge will discern between the humble and those who elevate themselves in pride. All who may hold to the faith of heaven in this life while seeking after worldly desires cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Evening signifies the conclusion of the current era; at this time, everyone is granted a denarius, symbolizing the grace of the Holy Spirit that reshapes humanity in the likeness of God, enabling them to partake in the divine essence. Those who lived prior to the arrival of Christ experienced greater suffering, as death was not yet vanquished, the adversary had not been subdued, and sin still prevailed. However, we, through Christ’s grace and having been justified in baptism, are empowered to triumph over our foe, who was already defeated and put to death by Christ. From one perspective, those who embrace their faith in youth endure greater toil than those who turn to Christ in their later years. The young bear the ‘burden’ of anger and the heat of desire, while the aged are calmed by it. Still, all receive the same precious gift of the Holy Spirit. The parable illustrates that entry into the kingdom of heaven is indeed possible even in advanced years through sincere repentance, where old age is represented by the eleventh hour. Yet, according to the parable, will the saints begrudge those who receive equal honors alongside them? Certainly not. It merely demonstrates that the rewards awaiting the righteous are so plentiful and magnificent as to provoke envy."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The last will be first, and the first last… This statement does not conclude the parable, as in that context the last are viewed equally with the first; here, however, the last take precedence. This expression illustrates that just as individuals who cultivate virtue later in life receive the same rewards as those who have labored diligently from youth, so too, the last will be honored above the first, and the first will be placed last. This truth applies to both Christians and Jews, or among believers it may refer to those who were initially indifferent but later became fervent, contrasted with those who started with zeal yet grew complacent. Such transformations are evident not only in matters of faith but also in life experiences. Many are invited, but few are selected. Numerous individuals are called to faith, yet only a few attain God's favor."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Thus the Lord concluded the parable: ‘So the LAST shall be the FIRST, and the FIRST the LAST, for many are called, but few are chosen.’ The last hired workers, due to their humility and complete dedication to their master, were first to receive their wages, and they were given the full payment for the entire day. In contrast, the first workers, who complained and held onto their pride and mistrust towards their master, received only the agreed amount, along with a lesson: to avoid envying their peers and to maintain a humble view of themselves. Similarly, those who take pride in their good deeds—who adhere to God's commandments not out of love for their Savior, but to boast about their own righteousness, much like the Pharisee—risk missing God's mercy and only expecting the reward they think they deserve from the Heavenly Father. While good works are essential, for without them faith is lifeless, they remain our obligation rather than a point of merit before the Lord. Those who fulfill their responsibilities with humility are recipients of God’s saving grace; however, those who approach their duties with arrogance are deprived of that grace and face spiritual loss. Therefore, regardless of the magnitude of your labors and actions, they carry no weight before God if lacking humility. This is why many are called, yet few are chosen. Without God’s gracious support, we cannot perform a single truly virtuous deed.\\n\\nSt. John Chrysostom reminds us, ‘Know that we are mere hired laborers.’ If we are workers, we must understand the nature of our work; a laborer cannot be without duties. Our deeds are virtues, not for our benefit alone, but for the good of our neighbors. Just as no one employs a laborer solely for personal nourishment, Christ did not summon us merely for our own welfare, but to glorify God. We ought to dedicate our entire lives to God's glory, reserving only a small portion for our earthly needs. A servant who neglects their tasks is ashamed to enter their master's home to seek bread; thus, why should one feel no shame entering the church and standing before God when they have accomplished nothing righteous in His eyes?\\n\\nThis parable resonated profoundly with the Jews. They were the first-invited into God’s Kingdom; they toiled under the burdens of the Law for many years only to find their efforts fruitless, as they boasted of their chosen status and looked down upon the Gentiles, leading to their rejection. Meanwhile, the Gentiles, who humbly accepted the message of the Gospel, entered the Kingdom of God before them, joining the Church of Christ. This scenario can also apply to us, Christians. We are not all called at the same moment to work in the vineyard of our souls; some are called in youth, others later in life, even in the twilight years, at a single hour of existence, ‘when one is ready to obey Him,’ as St. Chrysostom remarks. St. Paul further illustrates this, saying, ‘when God, who chose me from my mother's womb’ (Galatians 1:15). When was he called? When he was prepared to heed that call. God initially wished him to follow, but Paul’s disobedience led to his eventual calling when he was finally responsive. Likewise, even the criminal was called, though he too was initially unresponsive.\\n\\nOur merciful Lord calls each of us from the moment of our baptism; yet, since we often disregard this divine summons, He continues to reach out, whether through the words of Scripture touching our hearts or through the unique circumstances of our lives. No one in the Church can claim justification as the laborers did—‘no one hired us’; all must understand what Christ expects of those chosen for salvation. We are aware of these expectations, but some of us approach them as mere hired hands, admiring our own competence and daydreaming of rewards, while others procrastinate, deceiving their conscience with false hopes of future mercy: ‘we will have time, we will repent’; and others live in sin, completely forgetting God and surrendering themselves to their appetites.\\n\\nThe Lord stands at the door of our hearts saying: ‘Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me… He that hath an ear, let him hear’ (Rev. 3:19-20, 22). Often it is the sinners, who have no inclination to boast of merit before God, who respond to this call of grace; they repent and strive to dedicate the remainder of their lives to the Lord. The time for action—this life—will one day cease; the evening and final reckoning—the judgment at death—will arrive, followed by the day of universal recompense. At that time, individuals from all walks of life will stand before the judgment seat; and who knows? Perhaps those of us who consider ourselves upright Christians may face a harsher judgment than even the most notorious sinners. \\n\\nIf the saints, St. Chrysostom wisely notes, ‘even in this life lay down their souls for sinners, then, witnessing them enjoying the rewards prepared for them, they rejoice even more, regarding it as their own bliss.’ Therefore, the proud and envious laborers will be utterly cast away from the presence of God. He perceives the deepest stirrings of our hearts. Those who delay repentance and virtuous living demonstrate a preference for sin over the Lord. Yet there will undoubtedly be many who, repenting at the eleventh hour, will through genuine humility and self-abasement compensate for their lack of good deeds, and we may view them as the most unlikely yet repentant sinners.\\n\\nDo not rely on any merit of your own before God; instead, receive everything as a gift of His unwarranted mercy and grace. ‘Therefore,’ counsels Bishop Theophanes, ‘do not be prideful in comparison to those who have come after you to do God’s work, nor be disheartened if you join in the labor later on. There is no reason to despair because of age or to think it is too late to begin. Be courageous. You might say, “The master called me late, let me also be called by the Lord.\\" Does He not call you? Don’t you hear His voice in church: “Come unto Me, all of you,” and the apostolic invitation: “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). St. Chrysostom states, ‘In a brief time, it is possible to attain this.’ \\n\\nPreviously, the Lord spoke of the great zeal necessary for salvation, the renunciation of possessions, and the disregard for earthly matters—all requiring immense courage and youthful fervor. Now, to ignite that love and strengthen our wills, He indicates that even those who come later can earn the reward of a full day. However, He does not express this directly, lest they become proud again; rather, He illustrates that all of this is derived from His humanity. \\n\\nSt. John Chrysostom beautifully elaborates on this parable in his incomparable Paschal sermon: ‘Who is pious and loves God? Let him now partake in this holy and brilliant triumph! Who is a wise servant? Let him enter joyfully into the joy of his Lord! Who has engaged in fasting? May he now receive a denarius. Who has worked from the first hour? Let him receive his full wages! Who joined in after the third hour? Let him give thanks and rejoice! Who arrived only after the sixth hour? Let him not be troubled, for he will lack for nothing. If you delayed until the ninth hour, proceed without fretting. Even if another joined only at the eleventh hour, let him not fear his tardiness. For our Lord is loving and generous; He welcomes both the last and the first. He consoles those who arrive at the eleventh hour just as He does those who have labored since the first. He cares for the first and has compassion for the last; He rewards this one and also blesses that one; He delights in actions but values intentions equally; He honors deeds but praises a virtuous disposition. Therefore, all of you, rejoice and enter into the joy of your Lord! Both the first and the last shall be rewarded! The rich and the poor shall rejoice together! Those who have worked and those who have faltered, honor this day. Those who have fasted and those who have not shall celebrate now. The abundance of food is before you; all of you be satisfied. All of you relish in the feast of faith; all of you partake in the wealth of goodness!’"},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The final remarks of Jesus—so the last shall be first and the first last, for many are called, but few are chosen—do not, as John Chrysostom notes, reach a conclusion derived from the parable. In this instance, the first were not relegated to last place; rather, all received equal reward, exceeding all hopes and expectations. Just as it became evident that the last were on par with the first, it will increasingly become true that the last will surpass the first, while the first will fall behind them."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The complaints expressed by the individuals demonstrated a lack of faithfulness to their commitments, along with an unrealistic desire for more than what they had agreed upon. This discontent was met with a rightful response from the master, who addressed one of the disgruntled individuals, saying, “Friend, I do not wrong you; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and depart; I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Do I not have the authority to do as I please? Or do you begrudge my generosity?” Similarly, in the kingdom of heaven, rewards will not be determined by the order of one's calling or the duration of service, but rather by the level of faithfulness to their responsibilities, diligence in their work, and the graciousness of God, who evaluates individuals more by their inner character than by their external actions. For this reason, Christ reiterated, “the last shall be first, and the first last.” These parting discussions seem to take place during Christ’s final days in Perea, and as He neared the border of Judea, He received troubling news from Bethany that the one He cherished “was gravely ill” (John 11:2)."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To prevent the apostles and followers of Christ from misunderstanding the promised benefits as rewards based solely on their own merits—similar to the Pharisees’ ambition for higher status in the kingdom of the Messiah—Jesus proclaimed: “But many of the first shall be last, and the last first.” In the Gospel of Mark, this statement stands alone; however, Matthew shares the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, illustrating the meaning behind this declaration. This parable conveys that the vineyard represents the body of Christ, the householder symbolizes the Lord, and the laborers—who began their work at various times—reflect the believers in Christ who were called to His church at different points in history. The closing of this parable reiterates the initial statement, slightly adjusted to fit its context: “Thus shall the last be first, and the first last; for many are called, and few chosen.” The central teaching of this parable is that the bestowal of eternal rewards upon believers is determined solely by God’s will and grace, rather than human assessment of merit. Consequently, those who appear to have made little effort for their salvation and who consider themselves last may very well be exalted in God's judgment, while those who view themselves as foremost may find themselves last. This parable, therefore, encourages humility in every disciple of Christ, a vital quality for receiving the promises extended to those who have renounced all for the sake of Christ."}]}
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