Week 10: Monday The Placement of This Parable

When I taught, I reminded students of two crucial elements in Biblestudy: Content (what is said) and Context (the setting, occasion, andculture). There is much for us to learn when we consider this week'sparable of the vineyard workers. We first need to zoom out and observethe surrounding moments that frame this teaching.In Matthew 19, we encounter a rich young man who allows his wealth tokeep him from following Jesus. This man, who has everything the worlddeems valuable, is going to miss the most important thing of all. As thedisciples contemplate this encounter, Peter says, "See, we have lefteverything and followed you. What then will we have?" (Matthew 19:27,TRANSLATION).