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At first glance, this parable seems straightforward. But like all of Jesus’ parables, there is more to uncover. This story is not about economics; it is about the fact that the kingdom of heaven is all grace, and so is the service connected to it. As the story goes, a landowner went out before the dew had dried on the grass and found laborers to work in his vineyard. He went out early in the morning and hired all the workers he could find. The first workers agreed with the landowner and went out to work on his terms for a normal day’s wage. Returning every three hours beginning about nine o’clock, he went out again and found other workers; only this time, he set no wage, saying, I will pay you whatever is right. At noon, at three, at five o’clock, and one hour before quitting time, the landowner did the same thing. At the end of the day, he paid the workers, beginning with those he hired last.
The parable is followed by a statement that closely echoes the one that ended the previous chapter. “So, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” It is a similar yet distinct version of one of Jesus’ favorite themes; in Matthew 23:12, we read: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Admittedly, the story presents us with a strange situation.
tune into this week’s sermon to learn more.
Sunday School: 9:00 am
Worship Service: 10:30 am
Matthew 20:1-16
A Strange Situation
September 20, 2026
Pastor Gary Rebok
For over two centuries The Presbyterian Church Shippensburg has been serving Jesus Christ in both the social and spiritual needs of the community of Shippensburg, PA. We are a congregation within the Presbyterian denomination of ECO: A Covenant Order of Presbyterians, whose purpose is to witness in love the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord and the one true redeeming and healing presence in the world today. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, Presbyterian Church Shippensburg is a loving and committed church family where God’s Word is preached, faith is grown, relationships are built, and Christ’s work continues.
Upcoming Events
Session Meeting
September 17, 2026
7:00PM