10. So when the men who were the first to be hired came to be paid, they thought they would get more; but they too were given a silver coin each.
11. They took their money and started grumbling against the employer.
12. ‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘while we put up with a whole day's work in the hot sun — yet you paid them the same as you paid us!’
13. “ ‘Listen, friend,’ the owner answered one of them, ‘I have not cheated you. After all, you agreed to do a day's work for one silver coin.
14. Now take your pay and go home. I want to give this man who was hired last as much as I have given you.
15. Don't I have the right to do as I wish with my own money? Or are you jealous because I am generous?’ ”
16. And Jesus concluded, “So those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last.”
17. As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and spoke to them privately, as they walked along.