Similarity of Reward not Equality
Matthew 20:1-16
For the kingdom of heaven is like to a man that is an householder…


So, then, we do the work without any reference to the reward. You who came to Christ full fifty years ago will have your penny — as well the dying thief that had to bring yesternight only one foot out of hell. Will you, then, be placed on equal terms? It never can be so. Can a man of fine capacity and mind go along any road and have as the result of his walking only that which the common clodhopper has, who " thought the moon no bigger than his father's shield, and the visual line that girt him round the world's extreme? " Have they both equal enjoyment out of the same circumstances? It is impossible. The walk to the philosopher is a walk in church, a climbing up the altar stairs. He sees angels, he hears voices, he is touched by reverences, he is in the presence and sanctuary of God. Yet the road the same, the day the same — the road through a garden, the day the queenliest in all the summer train, yet in that walk one man found Heaven, the other only a convenient road to a place to sleep in.

(Dr. Parker.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

WEB: "For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.




Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday
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