> The main purpose of the parable is to describe that everybody who makes it to Heaven is there on equal terms. I believe a closer reading of that passage sugg

> The main purpose of the parable is to describe that everybody who makes it to Heaven is there on equal terms. I believe a closer reading of that passage suggests that the purpose of the parable is to show that Jesus is upending the social order that currently exists* to show favor to the those who are currently the downtrodden and outcast. See the end of chapter 19 where Jesus says the rich will not enter the kingdom of heaven and the first will be last. Then chapter 20, the parable in question, and the parable ends with: "Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? So the last will be first, and the first last." Jesus would die for sinners, both Jews and gentiles. The gentiles would be grafted in, as Paul says in Romans 11. An incredibly offensive idea to the Jews of the day but demonstrative of a God who is rich in mercy. > But there's another truth to it that the article also describes--if you agreed to work for a wage and then receive that wage, can it really be called unfair? FWIW, I think you are exactly right on that part. * I don't think this meaning parallels or supports current cultural efforts to "upend social order." Completely different culture and circumstances being discussed and Jesus' desired outcome is very different IMO from what I see many in our current culture fighting for. He was concerned primarily for people's souls, not their economic or political standing. In fact, that was one of the reasons he died the death he did...to show that his kingdom was not of this world, his concerns were not primarily those of this world, and his disciples should do likewise.