Matthew 20:7

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

Hulle sê toe vir hom: ‘Omdat niemand vir ons werk gegee het nie.’ Toe sê hy vir hulle: ‘Julle mag ook in my wingerd gaan werk.’

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Matthew, workers who haven't been hired all day tell the landowner that no one has given them a job. The owner responds by inviting them to work in his vineyard and assures them they will be paid fairly.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're at a playground with lots of fun games but some kids can't find any game to join. A kind teacher comes along, sees these kids, and invites them to play a new game she has set up for everyone, promising they'll have just as much fun as the others.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this verse around AD 80-90 in Greek. It is part of Jesus' parable of the workers in the vineyard, told to illustrate God's grace and fairness. The audience was likely Jewish Christians familiar with agricultural labor practices.

Living It Out Today

This verse can be applied today by considering how we treat people who feel left out or overlooked. Just like the landowner who gave work to those who were not hired earlier in the day, we should look for ways to include others and ensure they are treated fairly.

Topics

• fairness
• grace
• employment
• justice
• inclusion
• generosity

Related Verses

• Luke 16:10
• Ephesians 4:28
• John 3:16
• James 5:4
• Proverbs 31:9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of Matthew 20:7?

The verse emphasizes fairness and inclusion, showing that everyone deserves a chance to contribute and be rewarded appropriately.

How does this relate to Jesus' teachings on grace?

Jesus often used parables to illustrate God's grace; here, he shows how God extends opportunities even when others have overlooked someone.

Can you give a contemporary example of the principle in Matthew 20:7?

In workplaces today, this might mean giving job opportunities to those who are long-term unemployed or overlooked, ensuring they get fair treatment and compensation.

How does understanding the historical context enhance our interpretation of Matthew 20:7?

Knowing that agricultural labor was common helps us understand why Jesus chose this setting; it also shows how his message applied to everyday life for his original audience.