What does Matthew 20:15 mean?

The master (Matthew 20:1) asks two questions of the grumbling workers (Matthew 20:11). They are upset because those who worked just an hour are receiving the same wage as those who worked far longer and harder under worse conditions. The master asks them if he's not allowed to do what he chooses with his own money. Do they resent his generosity to others? They are not being deprived of anything—the wages paid are exactly what they agreed to.

These are questions and concerns many of us should pose to ourselves when comparing the good gifts God has given to us with those given to others. This is especially important when we face the temptation to consider others less worthy of reward, especially the gifts of eternal life and a home in heaven.

Jesus' parable places into the master's mouth words valid for God to ask us. We know how we must answer. He is absolutely allowed to do whatever He wants with what belongs to Him. He is God (Romans 9:15–23). We are foolish to resent His grace and generosity to anyone, especially since our only hope in this life and the next comes through His grace and generosity, as well. We are left with nothing but to receive our own reward, in Christ, with gratitude. We're promised eternal life (John 10:28), and that's what we receive (John 3:16).