received authority over ten cities; he that had gained five pounds received authority over five cities, while the

servant who had not used his money to profit is deprived of the pound, it being given to the one who had made ten

It must be noticed that these servants, even the one who lost all, are differentiated from `those mine enemies' of

Luke 19:27. 1 Corinthians 3:15, `he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire', and the

parallel, should be noticed. It will be found that the `servants' and `enemies' brought together in the one parable of

the pounds in Luke 19, are treated separately in the two corresponding parables of Matthew - the Labourers (20) and

the Guests (22). The parable of Matthew 20 requires practically no explanation; it is easily read in the light of the

context which we have sought to indicate. Its parallel and connection with the last verse of chapter 19 are of great

importance, and as an aid to further study we suggest the following points of comparison.

A 19:27.

`We have forsaken all, what shall we have therefore?'

B 19:28.

`Ye shall sit on twelve thrones', etc.

C 19:29.

`And every one that hath forsaken ... shall receive a hundred-fold'.

D 19:30.

`Many first shall be last and the last first'.

A 20:1-8.  Hire of labourers.

B 20:1-9.  Agreement to pay a penny, or that which is right.

`I will give unto this last even as unto thee'.

`The last first, and first last. For many be called, but few chosen'.

Matthew 21:28-32

We have already pointed out that the central theme developed enlarged and illustrated in this set of parables is

service with reference to the kingdom, and that sometimes it is viewed nationally, sometimes individually. Three

parables use the illustration of the vineyard, but the vineyard as a place of service, not as a place of growth. In other

words, the emphasis is not on the thought that those addressed are members of the true vine, but on those who are

servants and labourers in the vineyard. In 20:1-16 the idea uppermost is the difference of service, yet the equality of

the reward. In 21:28-32 it is not degrees of service, but the sharp contrast between serving or not serving, while in

21:33-46 the emphasis is the wickedness of serving oneself and of robbing God. It is of further importance to a true

interpretation that we observe the close connection that is intended between the two parables in Matthew 21. This

will be made evident by noticing the structure as follows:

THE RELATION OF THE TWO PARABLES

A 23. Chief Priests and Elders.

B 23-25. a Question. `By what authority?'

b Question regarding John's baptism.

c We fear the multitude.

C 26.

d All hold John as a prophet.

e The Parable.

D 28-32.

f  The Question - `Whether of the twain?'

PARABLE OF

g The Answer - `They say unto Him,

TWO SONS.

The first'.

h Jesus saith - Publicans and harlots

go into the kingdom before you.

Statement concerning John's baptism.

e The Parable.

f  The Question - `What will he do?'

PARABLE OF