Matthew 20:6 (ESV)

“And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’”

Jesus told a parable in Matthew 20 that not only described the Kingdom of Heaven but also revealed a powerful truth about our role in God’s mission. The parable describes a landowner who hires laborers for his vineyard at different times throughout the day — early morning, 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and finally, 5 p.m. (the eleventh hour).

Even with just one hour left in the workday, the master was still hiring.

He found people standing idle and asked a piercing question:
“Why do you stand here idle all day?”

A Picture of God’s Mission

In this parable, the landowner represents God, the vineyard represents His Kingdom, and the workers represent believers who are called to serve. The different hours of the day represent different moments in life or history when people are called into ministry.

God is always calling laborers into His harvest field — no matter the time or circumstance.

Jesus said in another place:

Matthew 9:37–38, ESV

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

The problem is not a lack of work — it’s a lack of willing workers.

Are You an Eleventh-Hour Worker?

Some may think, “It’s too late for me to serve God. I’ve wasted too much time.”
But the parable teaches that even those who join the work late in the day — the eleventh-hour workers — are still welcome and still rewarded.

God’s grace isn’t bound by time.
What matters is your obedience when you hear the call.

Romans 11:29, ESV

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” — 

Excuses That Keep Believers Idle

Here are some of the most common reasons people delay or avoid serving in God’s vineyard — and what Scripture says in response.

1. Fear and Insecurity

Many feel they are not qualified:
“I’m too young,” “I’m not educated,” “I don’t know the Bible,” “I’m shy,” “I don’t speak well.”

But God doesn’t call the equipped — He equips the called.

1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV

“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

Look at Moses — he said:

Exodus 4:10

Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent… I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 

But God answered:

Exodus 4:11–12, ESV

“Who has made man’s mouth?… Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth.” 

If God can use Moses, He can use you.

2. Waiting for a Perfect Time or “Special Calling”

Some believers delay ministry, thinking they need a dramatic calling or special moment to serve. But the Great Commission has already been given to all believers:

Matthew 28:19, ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” 

There is no need to wait for a voice from heaven.
The time is now.

“2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV,

Behold now is the favorable time;  now is the day of salvation.” — 

You were called the moment you were saved.
Don’t wait for permission — you already have it in Christ.

3. The Cares and Burdens of Life

Worries about money, jobs, relationships, or personal security often distract believers from God’s mission.

Jesus warned us about this:

Matthew 13:22, ESV

“But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”

In Haggai’s time, people neglected rebuilding God’s temple to focus on their own homes and lives:

Haggai 1:4, ESV

“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?”

Don’t wait until you’re “settled” to serve God. That day may never come.

Matthew 6:33, ESV

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

4. Spiritual Laziness

Let’s be honest — sometimes the issue is simply lack of motivation.
We want results without effort. We prefer comfort over sacrifice.

But serving God costs something. Jesus said:

Luke 9:23, ESV

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

The Gospel does not advance on autopilot. It spreads through intentional prayer, sacrifice, and action.

The Time Is Short — Work While It Is Day

We are living in the eleventh hour — near the end of the age. There’s no time to waste.

John 9:4, NIV

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”

The church doesn’t just need more listeners — it needs more laborers.

You have something to contribute:
A testimony, a gift, a word of encouragement, a prayer.

You may not preach from a pulpit — but you can witness to a neighbor.
You may not be a missionary overseas — but you can be one in your workplace, school, or community.

The Reward Is the Same

In the parable, all the workers — whether hired in the morning or at the eleventh hour — received the same reward (Matthew 20:10).

God doesn’t reward based on how long you’ve worked, but how faithfully you respond when He calls.

What Should You Do Now?

1. Start with what you know — Share your testimony, a Bible verse, or what you’ve learned in church.

2. Pray for opportunities to serve and witness.

3. Join your local church’s ministry or outreach — even small roles matter.

4. Don’t wait for a perfect moment — the time is now.

Corinthians 15:58, ESV

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

 Don’t Just Sit in Church — Be the Church

Don’t be content with being a churchgoer. Be a kingdom worker.

It’s not too late.
It’s not too little.
You are not too weak.
God can and will use you — if you say yes.

SHARE THE GOSPEL

Pass this message on to someone else. Be a witness.
Be a worker in God’s vineyard.

Want to Receive Jesus into Your Life?

If you want to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or you need guidance in your spiritual walk, please reach out to us using the contact information below.

God bless you.

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