Correct Option: A. Gave the same amount to all
Detailed Explanation:
The parable of the labourers in the vineyard is found in the Gospel of Matthew 20:1-16. In this story, a landowner hires workers at different times throughout the day to work in his vineyard. At the end of the day, he pays all the workers the same wage, regardless of how long they worked.
- Understanding the Parable:
- The landowner goes out early in the morning and hires workers for a denarius (a standard day's wage). He continues to hire more workers at various times throughout the day, including at the last hour.
-
When it comes time to pay the workers, he starts with those who were hired last and gives them a denarius. When those who were hired first come to receive their pay, they expect to receive more because they worked longer. However, they also receive a denarius.
-
Why Option A is Correct:
-
The key point of the parable is that the landowner chooses to pay all workers the same amount, regardless of the hours they worked. This illustrates the theme of grace and generosity. The landowner's actions challenge the conventional understanding of fairness and reward, emphasizing that God's grace is not based on human standards of merit.
-
Why the Other Options are Wrong:
- Option B: Gave more to those called first: This option is incorrect because the parable explicitly states that all workers received the same wage. The landowner does not give more to those who worked longer; instead, he gives them the same amount as those who worked less.
- Option C: Gave more to those called last: This option is also incorrect. The landowner does not give more to the workers who were hired last; he gives them the same amount as everyone else. The parable emphasizes equality in payment, not favoritism.
- Option D: Did not do what he has promised: This option is misleading. The landowner did fulfill his promise to pay a denarius to those he hired first. The issue arises from the workers' expectation of receiving more, which was not part of the original agreement. The landowner's actions reflect his right to do what he wishes with his own money.
Summary of Key Points:
- The parable illustrates God's grace and the idea that divine generosity does not conform to human expectations of fairness.
- All workers, regardless of the time they worked, received the same wage, highlighting the theme of equality in God's kingdom.
- The landowner's actions challenge the notion of merit-based rewards, emphasizing that God's grace is freely given.
- The parable serves as a reminder that we should not compare ourselves to others in terms of God's blessings, as His generosity is not limited by human standards.
This understanding of the parable encourages reflection on our attitudes towards fairness, grace, and the nature of God's kingdom.