The Merciful Master

Jesus tells his discples a story about a landowner who hired a series of men to work in his vineyard. At the end of the day, the landowner paid each worker a single denarius. This was merciful to those who had worked only an hour, and just for those who had worked the full day for a denarius. In telling this parable, Jesus shows forth the mercy of God in giving undeserving people good gifts. It also shows His essential justice, and warns his servants of the perils of pride.