Time after Pentecost · Proper 20 · Year A
Matthew 20:1-16
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
September 20, 2026
Overview & Insights
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16)
Peter’s initial question in this passage about the rewards that he and the rest of the Twelve will have for leaving everything to follow Jesus (19:27) connects directly with the previous passage, in which a rich man chooses his wealth over the chance to follow Jesus (19:21–22). Although Jesus answers that there will be reward for leaving all to follow him (19:28–29), his words turn to warning at 19:30–20:16. His admonitions against status presumption echo across this section of Matthew (see 18:1–5; 20:20–28). The dual refrain about the inversion of the first and the last frames the parable of the first and last day laborers (19:30; 20:16) and will find an echo in 23:12, where the places of the humble and the exalted are reversed.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 20:1-16 Working Preacher
The Lutheran home commentary reframing the parable around the landowner's generosity.
Matthew 20:1-16 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on grace, envy, and the evil eye toward God's goodness.
Matthew 20 - The Parable of the Vineyard Workers Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse evangelical study of the workers hired at different hours and the equal wage.
Matthew 20 Commentary Precept Austin
An inductive study page collecting word studies and cross references on the chapter.
Matthew 20:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries gathered verse by verse on the parable of the workers.
Background & Word Study
Matthew 20:1 Interlinear BibleHub
The Greek of the passage word by word with parsing, including the vineyard, denarius, and hiring language.
Enter the Bible: Matthew Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's book introduction to Matthew for the setting of its kingdom parables.
Overview: Matthew 14-28 BibleProject
An animated overview of Matthew's literary design and its kingdom themes.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why does the landowner pay everyone the same wage?
The parable turns on grace, not fairness: the denarius is what a laborer needed to feed a family for a day, and the owner gives it to all. The early workers are not underpaid; the point is that they resent the owner’s generosity to the last-hired (Matthew 20:13–15).
What does “the last will be first” mean here?
The saying frames the parable on both sides (Matthew 19:30; 20:16). In context it warns Jesus’ own disciples against presuming on status or reward for having followed him first, the concern Peter raises in 19:27.
Where does this fall in the lectionary?
Proper 20 (Ordinary 25) in Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary, the Sunday whose date falls between September 18 and 24. The Roman Catholic and LSB three-year lectionaries also appoint Matthew 20:1–16 near this point in the year.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Matthew 20:1-16
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.