A Controversial Parable – The Vineyard Tenants (Mt 20:1-16)

Abstract

We always take risk when we analyse biblical 
texts in order to reach its original setting and 
message. But this endeavour can be fruitful, 
as the problems surrounding the tenant 
worker’s parable clearly demonstrates. The 
interpretations of the church – throughout 
her whole history – unfortunatelly covered 
the scandal in this piece of artwork, and the 
problem of unjust payment has been explained 
as „radical grace”, as the result of the first 
worker’s laziness, bad attitude or the diligence 
of the latecomers. 
These misinterpretations do not make justice 
to the text. No explanation can cast shadow on 
the visible moral dilemma. The grapeyard owner 
throught Mediterranian eyes does not deserve 
sympathy, his deed cannot be excused. We got 
used to look at this story from the viewpoint of 
the last hired laborers. We are thankful for such a 
grace – but the parable forces us into the role of 
the first workers, who legitimately protest against 
the disproportionate wage. Only through our 
indignation, dispise, annoyment can we arrive to 
the real understanding, accepting that we would 
never act like the owner, that according to our 
measures and ideals this act is a scandal. Only 
after this confession can we arrive to the last 
workers – and to the undeserved and disturbing 
grace.