"In the parable the first laborers agreed to work for a stipulated sum, and they received the amount specified, nothing more. Those later hired believed the master's promise, “Whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” They showed their confidence in him by asking no question in regard to wages. They trusted to his justice and equity. They were rewarded, not according to the amount of their labor, but according to the generosity of his purpose. COL 397.1"
"But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?"
EGW's passage directly interprets the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, focusing on the different attitudes of the workers and the master's generosity. This aligns closely with the themes and events described in Matthew 20:13-15.
"So God desires us to trust in Him who justifieth the ungodly. His reward is given not according to our merit but according to His own purpose, “which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:11 . “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5 . And for those who trust in Him He will do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 . COL 397.2"
"According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:"
Ellen White directly references Ephesians 3:11 in this passage.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"
Ellen White directly references Titus 3:5 in this passage.
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"
Ellen White directly references Ephesians 3:20 in this passage.
Not the amount of labor performed or its visible results but the spirit in which the work is done makes it of value with God. Those who came into the vineyard at the eleventh hour were thankful for an opportunity to work. Their hearts were full of gratitude to the one who had accepted them; and when at the close of the day the householder paid them for a full day's work, they were greatly surprised. They knew they had not earned such wages. And the kindness expressed in the countenance of their employer filled them with joy. They never forgot the goodness of the householder or the generous compensation they had received. Thus it is with the sinner who, knowing his unworthiness, has entered the Master's vineyard at the eleventh hour. His time of service seems so short, he feels that he is undeserving of reward; but he is filled with joy that God has accepted him at all. He works with a humble, trusting spirit, thankful for the privilege of being a co-worker with Christ. This spirit God …
"Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee."
The EGW passage elaborates on the attitude of the laborers who came late to the vineyard, drawing parallels to the experience of a sinner who comes to Christ later in life. This is a direct interpretation and application of the parable in Matthew 20, specifically verse 14.