Matthew 20:16

Matthew 20:16 is a profound summary statement by Jesus, often quoted, that concludes the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-15). It encapsulates core principles of God's kingdom and His divine economy, which often stand in stark contrast to human expectations and merit-based systems.

Context

This verse directly follows the parable where a landowner hires laborers at different times of the day (early morning, third hour, sixth, ninth, and eleventh) but pays them all the same wage: a denarius. The workers hired first grumble, feeling cheated. Jesus uses this to illustrate God's generous grace. The immediate context also includes Peter's question about what the disciples would receive for following Jesus (Matthew 19:27) and Jesus' initial statement about the "first being last and the last first" in Matthew 19:30, which Matthew 20:16 reiterates and expands upon.

Key Themes

• Divine Reversal: The phrase "the last shall be first, and the first last" highlights a common theme in Jesus' teachings, where traditional human hierarchies and expectations are inverted in God's kingdom. Those who are humble, overlooked, or seemingly less deserving in human eyes may be exalted by God.
• God's Sovereign Grace: The parable emphasizes that salvation and blessing are not earned through human effort or duration of service, but are gifts of God's unmerited favor. His generosity extends equally to those who come to faith early or late, challenging a works-based mindset. This resonates with the concept of salvation by grace through faith.
• The Called vs. The Chosen: The second part, "for many be called, but few chosen," distinguishes between a general invitation to the gospel and a specific divine election or effective response.
  • "Called" (Greek: kletor) refers to the widespread invitation to God's kingdom, the preaching of the gospel message that goes out to all.
  • "Chosen" (Greek: eklektoi) refers to those who respond to that call in saving faith, implying God's sovereign selection and purpose. This distinction is also seen in the Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22:14.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words for "called" (κλήτοι - kletor) and "chosen" (ἐκλεκτοί - eklektoi) are significant. Kletor denotes an invitation or summons, like a general announcement. Eklektoi, however, implies selection or election. This suggests that while the message of the gospel is proclaimed broadly to "many," only a "few" are ultimately "chosen" in the sense of being brought into a saving relationship with God, aligning with biblical themes of divine election and purpose.

Practical Application

Matthew 20:16 encourages humility and gratitude. It reminds us that our standing before God is not based on our own merit, duration of service, or perceived righteousness, but entirely on His gracious provision. It challenges any sense of spiritual superiority or entitlement and calls believers to rejoice in God's boundless generosity. For those who feel "last," it offers hope that God sees and values them. For those who might consider themselves "first," it serves as a warning against pride and a reminder to embrace a servant heart, recognizing that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).