Lesson XI.—The Laborers in the Vineyard.
1. How did our Lord introduce the parable of the laborers? "For the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard." Matt. 20: 1. 2. How much did the householder agree to pay the laborers that began early in the morning? "And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard." Verse 2. 3. At what time did he hire other laborers? "And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace." Verse 3. 4. What agreement did he make with them? "And said unto them: Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you." Verse 4. 5. When and with what understanding did he hire still others? "Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise." Verse 5. 6. What did he find when he went out at the eleventh hour? "And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle." Verse 6. 7. What did he say to them? "And saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?" Same verse. 8. What excuse did the men make for being idle? "They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us." Verse 7. 9. What did the master then say to them? "He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive." Same verse. 10. What order was given at evening? "So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first." Verse 8. 11. How much was paid to those that were hired at the eleventh hour? "And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny." Verse 9. 12. What did the others expect when they saw how generous the master was with their fellow-laborers? "But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more." Verse 10. 13. How were they disappointed? "And they likewise received every man a penny." Same verse. 14. What complaint did they make? "And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day." Verses 11, 12. 15. How did the master justify himself to one of these complainers? "But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong; didst not thou agree with me for a penny?" Verse 13. 16. What did he tell the laborer to do? "Take that thine is, and go thy way; I will give unto this last, even as unto thee." Verse 14. 17. What questions did he ask the dissatisfied man? "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?" Verse 15. 18. When Jesus had finished the parable, what principle did he lay down? "So the last shall be first, and the first last; for many be called, but few chosen." Verse 16.12(Concluded on page 734.) (Continued from page 731.) 19. What seems to have called out the parable of the laborers?—It was probably the conversation with the rich young man who could not give up his worldly possessions for the sake of being saved. 20. What question did this young man ask the Saviour? "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" Matt. 19: 16. 21. What did Jesus tell him he must do? "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God; but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Verse 17. 22. What inquiry did the young man then make? "He saith unto him, Which?" Verse 18. 23. Which of the ten commandments did our Lord then mention? "Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, honor thy father and thy mother; and, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Verses 18, 19. 24. What reply did the young man then make? "The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet?" Verse 20. 25. What did Jesus tell him was still necessary for him to do in order to have treasure in Heaven? "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come and follow me." Verse 21. 26. How did the young man receive this instruction? "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions." Verse 22. 27. What remark did Jesus then make? "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven." Verse 23. 28. What anxiety did Peter manifest? "Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" Verse 27. 29. What assurance did the Saviour give him? "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Verses 28, 29. 30. How did he then illustrate the saying, "Many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first?" Chap. 20: 1–16. 31. What makes labor valuable in the sight of God?—Not the time and strength it requires, but the love and faith that actuate it.