Parable of the Laborer

Choice 1: Matthew 19:16–30; 20:1–16. Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

1. Review Matthew 19:16–30 and write responses to the following questions and tasks:

·         What indications can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior? How does Matthew 6:19–24 help explain his choice?  

I think he loved his possessions more than he did the Savior. He put worldly treasures before heavenly ones. He drew near with his lips, but his heart was far from the Saviors. I also feel that he was prideful in not wanting to let go of his earthly things in order to serve his fellow man. Those verses help explain the mans’ actions in that giving and sacrificing is extremely difficult for some, especially when pride gets in the way. The analogy of the camel represented how hard it is to change and humble ourselves when we let worldly possessions take precedence in our lives.

·         What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him?

We are promised that we shall inherit everlasting life.

·         Based on the Savior’s response to Peter, write a paragraph that could help you put the Lord first in your life (see also the additional details in Mark 10:17–31).

Based on what the Savior said, I think having personal daily prayer and scripture study in my life would help me put the Lord first in my life. In keeping the commandments we show Him that we put Him above what the world deems as acceptable. We put our trust and faith in Him when we continually and diligently follow Him. Having good communication every day is important, which I believe can be established by sincere prayer and earnest scripture study. When we put forth the effort in making Him our first priority, He will bless us.

2. Review the parable in Matthew 20:1–16 and consider what rewards come to those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom. Complete the chart below, filling in the blanks with information you find in Matthew 20:

The hour the laborers were hired	How much the man agreed to pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
Early in the morning	One penny per day	12 hours	One penny
Third hour	One penny per day	9 hours	One penny
Sixth hour	One penny per day	6 hours	One penny
Ninth hour	One penny per day	3 hours	One penny
Eleventh hour	One penny per day	1 hour	One penny

                                   

3. Respond in writing to each of the following questions:

·         What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom?

This parable teaches us not to give up on somebody when we are sharing the gospel or setting the example. The reward is the same no matter when you decide to accept the gospel.

·         What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?

This message would bring comfort in letting a convert know that no matter when they joined the church and were baptized they would receive the same reward as someone who had joined the church when they were 8 years old. It would bring peace to know that the blessing of entering into the Lord’s kingdom was available to everyone, no matter when they accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ.

·         What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?

Those that have labored longer would have had a stronger testimonies and have been receiving the blessing the entire time. Their ability to handle trials and burdens of laboring is far better because they have been able to build up faith and strength, where-as the person who just accepted the gospel, may not have had as deep of roots. However, the ultimate blessing of salvation is the same and given to everyone. 

Personal Application:

I loved this assignment because of how applicable it was to my life. I believe that we all have the same potential when we receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our responsibility to share the gospel and not judge people on where they are at, but where they have the potential to go.