Ver. 1. For the kingdom of heaven, &c.] That last sentence Christ further illustrateth and enforceth by this following parable. Peter and the rest were in danger to be puffed up with the pre-conceit of their abundant reward promised, Matthew 19:28,29. This to prevent, and that they might not stand upon their terms and tip-toes, they are again and again given to know, that “many that are first shall be last, and last first.” Which went out early in the morning] “God is found of them that seek him not,” Isaiah 65:1 “Yea, the Father seeketh such to worship him,” John 4:23; he soliciteth suitors and servants. A wonderful condescension it is, that he looketh out of himself upon the saints and angels in heaven, Psalms 113:6. How much more upon us poor earthworms! Labourers into his vineyard] Not loiterers. Jacob saw the angels, some ascending, others descending, none standing still. God hath made Behemoth to play in the waters, not so men; they must be doing, that will keep in with God.
Ver. 2. For a penny a day] Not for eternal life (for this those murmuring merit mongers never had, who yet had their penny), but something (whatever it were) that gave the labourers good content; that it was for which each of them followed Christ, whether for food perishing, or enduring, John 6:27.
Ver. 3. Others standing idle] For any good they did, or could do, till sent into the vineyard, and set awork by God. Till then we are mere excrements of human society. Nos numerus sumus, &c.
Ver. 4. Go ye also into the vineyard] God hath his times to call men in; only let them stand in God’s way, wait at the posts of wisdom’s gates, at the pool of Bethesda, &c. Gratuita et inopinata est ad gratiam vocatio, Ephesians 1:11. The separation of the saints is wonderful, Exodus 33:16.
Ver. 5. About the sixth and ninth hour] God hath his servants of all sexes and sizes, calling when and whom he pleaseth. And they have the comfort and credit of it that are first called, so they walk worthy of their time, and that vocation wherewith they are called, Ephesians 3:1. Thus it was an honour to Mnason that he was an “old disciple,” Acts 21:16; and to Andronicus and Junia, that Paul should say of them, “who also were in Christ before,” Romans 16:7.
Ver. 6. And about the eleventh hour] About five o’clock in the afternoon; when it was well nigh time to leave work. Nunquam sero si serio. Never too late if in earnest. Howbeit delays are dangerous, opportunities are abrupt and headlong, and, if once past, irrecoverable. If, therefore, ye will inquire, inquire; return, come, Isaiah 21:12. They that say men may repent hereafter, say truly, but not safely. They that allege these here that came in at the eleventh hour, must consider that these were never called till then. But now God calleth, yea, “commandeth all men everywhere to repent,” Acts 17:30. And now he is more peremptory, sure, than ever heretofore. See Hebrews 2:3. How many are daily taken away in their offers and essays, before they have prepared their hearts to cleave to God!
Ver. 7. Go ye also into, the vineyard] At this hour the penitent thief was sent in, and he bestirred him; for he justifies Christ, condemns himself, chides his fellow for railing, prays for a part in Paradise, &c.; he lived much in a little time. Howbeit, this is a singular example, one of the miracles wherewith Christ would honour the ignominy of his cross. Neither is it often seen or read about, that old men are converted. They are usually so set in sin, that they are hardly removed; such a hoof they have over their hearts, that scarce anything will affect them. Abraham in the Old Testament, and Nicodemus in the New, were called in their old age. Name a third he that can. Conversion (as divines observe) usually occurs between 18 years of age and 28, when men have less of the world, which afterward steals away affection.
Ver. 8. Saith unto his steward] That is, to his Son Christ, whom he hath made judge of all, to give unto every man according to his works. This he will do with demonstration of his singular both justice (so that none shall receive less than was promised him) and mercy (so that all shall receive more than they deserved). For although their penny be here called their hire, and elsewhere their reward, yea, their wages, yet all is of grace.
Ver. 9. And when they came] These last labourers were first paid, because they trusted not to the worth of their own works, but to God’s free grace and goodness; when the other are fumed off in displeasure, with Tolle quod tuum est, et vade: Take thy penny, and be packing.
Ver. 10. They supposed that they, &c.] Good works are mercatura regni coelestis, saith Bellarmine. But God is no such merchant. Cerium gratis non accipiam, I will not have heaven for nothing, saith Vega. Thou shalt never have it therefore; I will give thee that gift.