Matthew 20:1-16 Many that are first shall be last and the last shall be first, for many are called but few are chosen

 In Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus is talking to his disciples and explaining this saying, the first shall be last and the last shall be first. I love this parable about the laborers of the vineyard and find it very interesting. A landowner hires temporary laborers and started them out at around 6am for a penny (typical days wage) and returned to hire people at 9am, 3pm and 5pm and agreed to pay them whatsoever is right. It would have been unusual to pay those who have worked the least before those who have been working all day but Jesus was teaching a principle so he paid them in that order and when those that worked all day found out that the ones who only worked about a hour but probably worked hard made the same as them, they were mad and murmured even though that is the amount they agreed on but got jealous when someone else who got there late because they weren't given an opportunity to work was made equal in amount. Those that were hired last might represent those who become converted late in life but thereafter labor diligently in the kingdom of God. Jeffery R. Holland talked about how this parable is about God's goodness, His patience and forgiveness and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. However late you think you are, chances you missed, or mistakes made. No one can sink lower than the light of Christ shines. He loves his children and wants the same thing for each of them, to return home to Him. Holland goes on and says, "His concern is for the faith at which you finally arrive, not at the hour of the day in which you got there." This really stood out to me and I know that wherever you are in life, He will forgive your mistakes and bring you in with arms open wide.