No man hath hired us
Today's focusIn Jesus' parable a householder goes out again and again to hire labourers; those still standing in the marketplace at the eleventh hour explain, 'Because no man hath hired us,' and he sends them into his vineyard too.
Read
1For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 2And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 5Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 6And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? 7They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
Reflection
The "householder" in this parable does not go out just once to find workers. He returns to the marketplace "early in the morning," again at the "third," "sixth," and "ninth" hours, and even one last time at the "eleventh hour." This shows a persistent search for those who are still waiting. If you find yourself waiting for an opportunity today, this passage reminds you that the search for labourers continues throughout the day. You are not forgotten in the marketplace.
When the householder finds those still standing there late in the day, he asks why they are "idle." Their answer is simple and honest: "Because no man hath hired us." They were ready to work, but the opportunity had not yet come. The householder does not blame them for their lack of a job; instead, he gives them the same invitation he gave the others: "Go ye also into the vineyard." Even when the day is nearly over, he provides a place for them and promises to give "whatsoever is right." This is a picture of a God who sees your readiness even when others have passed you by.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
How does it feel to know that Jesus told a story about people waiting all day because no one had hired them?
Pray
Lord, you know how long I have been waiting and how heavy it feels. Thank you that you see those who stand waiting in the marketplace. Hold my dignity and my hope in your hands today.