For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. Matthew 20:1-2 ESV

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

Jesus told a lot of different stories in the Bible, called parables, to explain how spiritual, Godly, things work. A few weeks ago, we learned about the kingdom of heaven and that your faith (believing and trusting in Jesus) made you a part of it!

This week we are going to look at one of the parables that Jesus told that helps us understand what the kingdom of heaven is like. This parable is in Matthew 20:1-16. You can read it or ask your parents to read it with you. It is called “Laborers in the Vineyard.”

But first, let’s look at some words. A vineyard is a large field where grapes are grown. The grape vines hang on supports up off the ground. A laborer is a worker who picks the grapes. And a denarius was a silver coin worth about $50 dollars in today’s money and was usually a whole day’s pay.

Before you read the story, think of the master of the house as God the Father, think of the laborers/workers as all of us that have faith in Jesus and God and are saved. And lastly think of the denarius as God’s love, mercy, and grace for each one of us. Now read the parable with your parents.

Some of the workers worked all day, other workers worked part of the day, and the last group hired worked only about one hour. Yet, when the manager handed out the pay, they all got the same amount, one denarius! Why do you think the first group of workers grumbled or complained?

But the master of the house, God, no matter when they became His workers, gave the same pay, love, mercy, and grace. It is a gift from God that we don’t earn, we just have to believe and trust. Some people get saved when they are young, but some when they are older, and some even when they are close to death. And God’s love, mercy, and grace saves them just as it saves us.

What I want to share with you from this parable is that I understand that God saved me because I believed and trusted in Jesus, but I am also still a worker in God’s kingdom of heaven! What can we do for God and the kingdom of heaven as His workers?

Here are a few ideas; be kind and friendly, tell others about Jesus and the kingdom of heaven, help your mom and dad without them asking, listen to someone who is sad, be a friend to someone who is lonely, and try to think of other things that Jesus would do. Shine Jesus for others to see. Talk with your parents and decide what your family can do this week as workers for the kingdom of heaven.

Blessings and joy as you work for God’s kingdom here on earth!