The Last Will Be First
Sermon preached by Matthew DelValle on August 16, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Delphi, Indiana. First Baptist Church is an evangelical church in Delphi, Indiana helping people find and follow Jesus. Our mission is to declare God's truth, disciple God's people, delight in God's Son, and display God's glory. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30am. Sunday School begins at 9:30am. We gather at 103 S. Indiana Street, Delphi, Indiana 46923.
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Introduction
Big Idea: God graciously rewards those who serve him, so we must trust his generosity rather than compare his rewards.
1. The Explanation of the Parable
A. The Landowner Calls the Workers [Mt. 20:1–7]
1) The First Workers [Mt. 20:1–2]
2) The Later Workers [Mt. 20:3–5]
3) The Last Workers [Mt. 20:6–7]
B. The Landowner Compensates the Workers [Mt. 20:8–12]
1) The Surprising Payment [Mt. 20:8–10]
2) The Sinful Complaint [Mt. 20:11–12]
C. The Landowner Corrects the Workers [Mt. 20:13–16]
1) The Landowner’s Justice [Mt. 20:13–14a]
2) The Landowner’s Sovereignty [Mt. 20:14b–15a]
3) The Landowner’s Generosity [Mt. 20:15b–16]
2. The Interpretation of the Parable
A. Is the Parable About Equal Salvation?
B. The Parable Is About Gracious Reward
1) The Context Concerns Reward [Mt. 19:27–30]
2) The Denarius Is Not Identified with Eternal Life [Mt. 20:2, 10, 13]
3) The Landowner Appeals to His Generosity [Mt. 20:13–15]
3. The Application of the Parable
A. Stop Comparing
1) Your Service – “I’ve served longer.”
2) Your Sacrifices – “I’ve given up more.”
3) Your Suffering – “I’ve borne the heat.”
4) Your Rewards – “So I deserve more.”
B. Start Trusting
1) God’s Justice – He will never wrong you.
2) God’s Sovereignty – He has the right to distribute what is his.
3) God’s Generosity – He is far more generous than you deserve, so rejoice when he is generous to others.
Conclusion